by awarner | Jun 10, 2019 | ABLE Accounts, Government Benefits, Housing, Medicaid, Section 8, special needs planning, Uncategorized
For several years it has been clear that ABLE accounts – a new form of tax-free savings account for certain people with disabilities – would not affect a person’s eligibility for important government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI)...
by awarner | Mar 23, 2019 | Government Benefits, Medicaid, Settlement Planning, special needs planning, Special Needs Trust, SSA, SSI, Trust
A special needs trust is designed to provide a person with a disability the funds to enhance her quality of life while at the same time allowing her to remain eligible for needs-based public benefits. Government programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income...
by awarner | Jan 18, 2019 | Elder Law, Government Benefits, Housing, Medicaid, Section 8, special needs planning, SSA, Uncategorized
The ongoing partial government shutdown that started December 22, 2018, poses numerous threats to people with disabilities, but the most immediate impact is on those who rely on the federal government for help paying their rent. Advocates are warning of mass evictions...
by awarner | Jan 4, 2019 | Medicaid, Settlement Planning, special needs planning, Special Needs Trust, SSA, SSI, Trust
For some people with disabilities, homeownership may present a uniquely empowering opportunity. But for many others, purchasing a home through a special needs trust may be in the beneficiary’s best interests. Homeownership comes with many pitfalls and...
by awarner | Dec 3, 2018 | ABLE Accounts, Medicaid, Medicare, Settlement Planning, special needs planning, Special Needs Trust, SSA, SSI, Trust
When personal injury lawsuits are settled, the underlying settlement figure may be less than initially meets the eye due to the deduction of attorneys’ fees, expenses and other costs. To ensure the resulting settlement best protects the plaintiff’s long-term...
by awarner | Nov 15, 2018 | Estate Planning, special needs planning, Special Needs Trust, Trust
For many parents, the majority of their savings is held in some kind of a retirement account, often an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). At age 70 1/2, an IRA account holder faces the Required Beginning Date, when he or she must take mandatory distributions from...
