Public Benefits

Imagine not being able to marry or even live with the person you love. The recently released documentary Patrice: The Movie, now available on Hulu, addresses this emotionally challenging conundrum.

In a new report, an independent committee outlines recommended strategies for improving community integration for the more than 7 million people in the U.S. with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

If you rely on Social Security disability benefits programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the year ahead will offer a somewhat minimal amount of relief financially.

A special needs trust can allow individuals with special needs to preserve assets that will enhance their quality of life while allowing them to remain eligible for needs-based public benefits like Medicaid and SSI.

Special Needs 101

Funds held in a properly drafted special needs trust will not affect a SSI or Medicaid recipient's benefits. However, funds disbursed in a manner that violates SSI or Medicaid rules can impact these benefits.

Special Needs 101

SSI and SSDI are both federal programs that provide cash payments to people who meet the federal definition of disabled. But SSI helps people with disabilities with a limited income, and SSDI doesn’t care about income.

Special Needs 101

Medicaid's strict rules place people with disabilities who want to work in a quandary. To maintain their benefits, they cannot earn over a certain amount. So, they may end up forgoing employment altogether as the only way to keep their...

Special Needs 101

What is special needs planning, and what options can help people with disabilities? You can protect children or adults with disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to have a safe and happy life.

Special Needs 101

Do you have a friend or loved one who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and is unable to manage her payments? If so, you can request that the Social Security Administration name you as the...

Special Needs 101