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In 2020, COVID-19 changed our lives and how we view vaccines. Today, more Americans have received their initial vaccines and are following up with regularly scheduled booster shots than ever before. But COVID vaccines arent the only type you should be considering this fall. Flu VaccinesEvery year, more than 10% of Americans catch the flu. Each flu season is different, and each flu strain can affect people differently. Thats why its important to get the vaccine each year to protect yourself and loved ones from illness. The flu vaccine has been shown to have many benefits including reduced risk of illness, hospitalization, and even flu-related death. In 2019-2020 alone,  the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7.5 million flu illnesses and an estimated 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations.Pneumonia ShotsSeniors should also consider receiving a Pneumonia shot. In the US, more than 250,000 individuals are hospitalized annually for pneumonia, and approximately 50,000 of those hospitalizations result in death. Adults aged 65 years or older are at a higher risk of catching bacterial pneumonia, as well as people with certain conditions including diabetes and chronic heart diseases. Pneumonia vaccines are shown to be highly effective at protecting against and reducing symptoms of the disease.ShinglesAnother vaccination that may go overlooked by seniors is the Shingles vaccine.  Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that may have affected people as a child--the chicken pox. The CDC recommends that adults aged 50 and older receive two doses of the vaccine to prevent occurrence of the disease.  In fact, the vaccines have been shown to be up to 97% effective in adults aged 50 to 69 and 91% effective in seniors over 70.Vaccinations help protect us from harmful diseases while lessening the impact of symptoms.  They also aid in recovery time.  Depending upon your insurance coverage they may even be low cost or no-cost to you.  With many pharmacies and grocery stores offering them regularly theyre easy to get. So, whats holding you back?  Talk to your pharmacist or other healthcare professional today about getting vaccinated. Editors Note: This article was written by Jay Pagni. Jay is the Vice President of Legislative and Government Affairs with PA Health & Wellness

Maintaining independence is fundamental for people living with disabilities. Having mobility options allows people with certain disabilities to go to doctors appointments, grocery shop, visits friends, and keep a sense of autonomy.Purchasing a vehicle can be expensive. However, grants and other resources can help meet diverse needs, including for those who need an accessible vehicle of their own.Federal Funding for Mobility Vans, Adaptive Equipment, and Accessible TransportationVarious federal funding sources can help cover the cost of wheelchair vans or adaptive equipment for your existing vehicle. Different programs may focus specifically on accessible transportation options for older adults, veterans, or people living with disabilities.Examples of these resources include the following:Veterans Affairs BenefitsThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs invites eligible veterans to seek out its automobile allowance benefits. Vets can also apply for its grants for accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment.Adaptations may include such vehicle adaptations as changes to seats, brakes, steering wheels, and assistive equipment. Note that each states VA office may likely have available grants specific to state residents as well.The Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities ProgramThis program is headed up by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Program grants money to states. The states then coordinate transportation services with nonprofits that address the mobility needs of seniors and people with disabilities.These types of grant-funded services generally do not provide accessible vehicles for individual use. However, they offer transportation services that are often free or discounted.Such public transit programs are in place in these and other states:Northwest Valley Connect in ArizonaCrossTownConnect in MassachusettsVolunteer Care Giving in North Carolinas Raleigh areaThe Rusk County Transit Commissions volunteer transportation services in WisconsinPlan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) ProgramIf you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), have a disability, and want to work, the PASS program may be of interest to you. Participants receive a monthly stipend that can go toward paying for an accessible vehicle if required to achieve your work goals. Learn more on the Social Security Administration website.State and Regional Financial Assistance Programs for Accessible VehiclesAcross each state, grants for mobility vans vary widely. Be sure to consult The Mobility Resources list of state disability grants available specifically for wheelchair vans.Other state programs exist that assist people with disabilities in modifying their vehicles to make traveling with a mobility impairment easier. Unfortunately, these programs are not consistent throughout the country. Some states that provide their residents with grant opportunities for vehicle updates include:Kentucky The Spina Bifida Foundation of Kentucky makes funding for adapting vehicles available through an application process.New York The Motion Project Foundation offers qualifying residents grants that can be used for vehicle modifications and other adaptive equipment.Oregon The Blanche Fischer Foundation gives grants of up to $1,500 to residents with physical disabilities and financial need.Texas The Houston Childrens Charity Chariots for Children program awards accessible vehicles to families of children with special needs .In addition, numerous states have low-interest loan programs that can help individuals pay for modifying or purchasing a vehicle. These include:Arizona Technology Access ProgramAssistive Technology Loan Program at the Connecticut Tech Act ProjectAble Up in IowaMontana Assistive Technology Loan ProgramAccess Loan New Mexico ProgramOklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation loansMobility Rebate ProgramsCertain car manufacturers also offer rebates for approved devices, equipment, and controls that have been installed in a new vehicle.Learn more about programs available through such companies as Audi, Honda, and Subaru, among many others. (Other car companies are even launching vehicles specially designed for families with certain disabilities, such as autism.)Disability Grants for Vehicles or Equipment Through Other OrganizationsGrants for individuals may be available through foundations, nonprofits, and other types of organizations. Depending on the size of the program, some participants may receive enough money to cover the entire cost of assistive equipment and vehicle modifications. Smaller programs may be focused on supporting families with demonstrated financial need.The following are examples of organizations that provide grants to individuals and families with certain disabilities:Alyssa V Phillips Foundation. This foundation provides people with cerebral palsy financial aid that can support adaptations to qualifying vehicles.Chive Charities. This nonprofit helps veterans, first responders, and others with rare medical conditions through grants.Special Kids Fund. This fund invites families with special needs children to apply for adapted wheelchair vans that are secured through donations.Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation. This foundation offers applicants with certain diseases financial assistance for such transportation adaptations as van conversions, transfer seats, and vehicle liftsHelp HOPE Live. Through this nonprofit fundraising website, families with special needs can coordinate crowdfunding campaigns to support their needsMultiple Sclerosis Foundation. This national foundation funds the Brighter Tomorrow Grant. This grant awards up to $1,000 for goods, services, or equipment that will improve the lives of individuals with MS. Its local chapters also often have grants specific to each state.Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation. This foundation awards grants to people with spinal cord injuries and disorders for specific equipment or modifications.National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. This resource offers robust information on accessible driving solutions, funding sources, advice when purchasing accessible vehicles online, and more.Additional ResourcesNote that grant application criteria and deadlines will vary from one organization to another. Finding and applying for grants for those who need a wheelchair van or adaptive vehicle modifications can take time. Contact our law firm today for help.Note that grant application criteria and deadlines will vary from one organization to another. Finding and applying for grants for those who need a wheelchair van or adaptive vehicle modifications can take time. Contact our law firm today for help. This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We dont just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than youve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.

A widows pension is the common name for Social Security survivor benefits, monthly payments provided to certain family members after a worker who paid Social Security taxes passes away.These benefits are based on your spouses earnings record and work history, not your income. In many cases, they can continue for the rest of the surviving spouses life if eligibility requirements are met.To qualify, the deceased spouse must have earned enough Social Security work credits. While many workers reach full eligibility with about 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work), the exact requirement depends on their age at death; younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.A Brief History of Survivor BenefitsSocial Security survivor benefits were introduced in 1939, expanding the program beyond retirement income.These updates were designed to: Provide financial support to families after the loss of a wage earner. Extend benefits to spouses and dependent children. This marked the first step toward Social Security becoming a broader safety netnot just a retirement program.Who Qualifies for Survivor Benefits in 2026?Eligibility depends on your relationship to the deceased and your age. For surviving spouses, the general rules include:Basic EligibilityYou may qualify if: You are age 60 or older. You are age 50 or older with a qualifying disability (that began within seven years of your spouses death). You are caring for the deceaseds child who is under age 16 or has a disability (no minimum age requirement) . Additional Considerations You typically must have been married for at least nine months (with some exceptions). Divorced spouses may qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. If you remarry after age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), you can still receive survivor benefits. Coordination With Your Own BenefitsIf youre eligible for both: A survivor benefit, and Your own Social Security retirement benefit You typically receive the higher of the two, but you may have the option to switch between them depending on timing.How Much Could You Receive?The amount varies based on: Your spouses lifetime earnings. The benefit they were receiving (or eligible to receive). Your age when you claim. In general: At full retirement age, you can receive up to 100% of your spouses benefit. At age 60, you may receive as little as 71.5%, with reduced payments for claiming early. There may also be a one-time lump-sum payment of $255 available to eligible survivors.When Should You Claim?One of the most important decisions is when to begin benefits. You can claim as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled). Waiting until your full retirement age (typically 6667) can increase your monthly payment. Claiming early permanently reduces your benefit. If youre still working, keep in mind: Benefits may be temporarily reduced if your earnings exceed annual limits before full retirement age . Related: Maximizing Social Security Benefits for Middle to Upper-Income RetireesHow to Apply for Survivor BenefitsBefore applying, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must be notified of your spouses death. In many cases, the funeral home handles this step.To apply: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or Visit your local office. Applications cannot currently be completed fully online.You may need to provide: A death certificate. Marriage documentation. Social Security numbers. Tax forms or proof of earnings. For more details, you can visit the official SSA overview: Learn about Survivor BenefitsFinal ThoughtsLosing a spouse is never easy, and financial concerns can add to that stress. Survivor benefits are designed to provide some stability during a difficult time.Understanding how widows pensions workespecially eligibility rules, timing strategies, and benefit optionscan help you make more informed decisions about your financial future.Want more? Check out our blog, Social Security in 2026: How Far Will Your Benefits Really Go?Were Here for You!Bankers Life is here to help customers with their financial and insurance needs so please visit us at BankersLife.com to learn more.Bankers Life Securities, Inc., Bankers Life Advisory Services, Inc., and their representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. Each individual should seek specific advice from their own tax or legal advisors.  This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial professional prior to investing. Bankers Life is the marketing brand of various affiliated companies of CNO Financial Group including, Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Bankers Life Securities, Inc., and Bankers Life Advisory Services, Inc.  Non-affiliated insurance products are offered through Bankers Life Securities General Agency, Inc., (dba BL General Insurance Agency, Inc., AK, AL, CA, NV, PA).  Securities and variable annuities offered through Bankers Life Securities, Inc. Member, FINRA/SIPC (dba BL Securities Inc., AL, GA, IA, IL, MI, NV, PA). Advisory products and services offered by Bankers Life Advisory Services, Inc. SEC Registered Investment Adviser (dba BL Advisory Services, Inc., AL, GA, IA, MT, NV, PA). Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Investments are: Not GuaranteedInvolve RiskMay Lose Value.

When searching for a Personal Care Home, many families overlook a crucial factor: the difference between a national chain organization and a local, family-owned and -operated community. This distinction can significantly impact on the quality of life for residents and their loved ones. Family-run businesses in the senior living industry often prioritize the well-being of residents above all else. A family-owned Personal Care Home typically focuses on making a meaningful difference in people's lives, creating an environment that feels more like home. Lets explore five key benefits of choosing a family-owned Personal Care Home: 1. Resident-Centered Care Family-owned Personal Care Homes often prioritize the needs of residents. The primary goal is to ensure that everyone receives the care and attention they deserve. In these settings, residents are treated with compassion and respect, akin to how one would care for ones own family members. This resident-centered approach leads to higher satisfaction and improved quality of life. 2. Hands-On Leadership One of the standout features of family-owned Personal Care Homes is the active involvement of owners in daily operations. This hands-on approach fosters a culture of accessibility and responsiveness. Owners who are engaged with both staff and residents create an atmosphere that resembles an extended family. They often know employees by name and work alongside them, which inspires teamwork and dedication throughout the facility. 3. Personalized Attention In family-owned Personal Care Homes, residents and staff are not just numbers; they are individuals with unique identities and needs. This personalized approach is often lost in larger corporate settings, where layers of bureaucracy can hinder effective communication and care. In a family-run community, staff members are empowered to make decisions that best serve the residents, leading to more responsive and tailored care. 4. Positive Work Environment Family-owned Personal Care Homes place a strong emphasis on staff well-being, recognizing the direct correlation between employee satisfaction and resident happiness. When staff members feel valued and respected, they are more likely to provide compassionate and attentive service. This supportive work environment fosters camaraderie among employees, which ultimately benefits the residents they serve. 5. Affordable Pricing Unlike large corporate chains, family-owned Personal Care Homes often have more flexibility in their pricing structures. This can result in more affordable options for families without compromising on care quality. Family-run communities typically prioritize caring for their residents and staff over profit margins, allowing them to offer competitive pricing while maintaining high standards of care. Family-owned Personal Care Homes offer a unique blend of personalized care, engaged leadership, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. These qualities can significantly enhance the living experience for seniors, providing them with a true home rather than just a care facility.  When exploring options for Personal Care Homes, considering family-owned establishments could lead to finding a more nurturing and supportive environment for your loved ones.  By prioritizing resident-centered care, fostering positive relationships among staff and residents, and maintaining affordability, family-owned Personal Care Homes stand out as excellent choices for those seeking quality care in a compassionate setting.