|
retirement resources
CALL THE RETIREE HELPLINE | 202.303.8779
Important Information for Retirees |
|
Retiree News
|  |
|
|
Should you move your parents into your home? By Bonnie Rochman, AARP | Are You Ready For These Social Security Changes In 2025? From Retallick Financial Group | Where Paying More Taxes, Not Less, Might be the Right Play From Retallick Financial Group | How to Access Red Cross Benefits When a Loved One Dies |
If you’re beginning to wonder if your parents are safe living on their own — perhaps you’ve noticed they are having trouble driving or taking care of themselves — you’re not alone. Half of Americans over 50 are caregivers and the majority of them are looking after their parents. Though most of us want to age in our own homes, AARPs “The Journey of Aging” reports that more and more are sharing homes: 67 million adults over 18 live in a multi-generation house, a 272 percent increase over the last decade. | Social Security is a pillar of financial stability for many retirees. If you’re one of the millions of older Americans collecting Social Security, or if you will be shortly, keeping up with changes to the program is important. Thankfully, the SSA commonly announces key changes to the program a few months in advance. Back in October, they announced some changes coming in 2025. Let’s walk you through some of them: | Reducing your taxes via getting into a lower tax bracket isn’t always possible. In these cases, it might make sense to take advantage of the “headroom” you have in your existing top bracket. The idea is to strategically accelerate income in order to reduce your overall taxes. Accelerating income goes against the first rule of traditional tax planning: defer taxes whenever possible. But there may be reasons to rethink this rule depending on your situation. More | As with many benefits issues, the death of an American Red Cross retiree should be reported to the Benefits Service Center (BSC) by phone at 877-860-7526. Such a death may be reported by a spouse, family member, friend or legal representative of the deceased. The BSC representative will be able to assist with all benefits including pension, American Red Cross Savings Plan and medical benefits/life insurance as applicable. |
retiree helpline The RETIREE HELPLINE is a call-back service by ARCAN that assists American Red Cross retirees with questions about pensions, including those administered by the annuity companies, as well as retiree medical benefits, the ARC Savings Plan (401-k) and more. The Retiree Helpline also helps with ARCAN membership questions. The Retiree Helpline is staffed by Red Cross retiree/volunteers, called “Links”, who stay up to date on benefits and steer retirees in the right direction. Many callers will need to contact the American Red Cross Benefit Service Center (BSC) and/or one of the annuity companies to resolve their question or issue and Links will help them prepare for these calls. The Helpline is also a point of Connection for Red Cross retirees who often stay on the call with Links after getting the info they were seeking just because they enjoy talking with another Red Crosser; something Links enjoy as well. RETIREE HELPLINE | 202.303.8779 |
|
frequently asked questions
BECOME A MEMBERARCAN is independent from the American Red Cross but it is our Red Cross experiences that connect us. Our vision is to unite around the ideals, the humanitarian mission and all the other things we value most about being a part of the Red Cross: the service, the global perspective, the learning and most of all, the people. Membership is open to former and current American Red Cross employees and volunteers. | CONTACT202-303-8779 PO Box 21004 Washington, DC 20009 © 2024 American Red Cross Alumni Network All rights reserved |