Public Benefits

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

In many states, full Medicaid coverage is often equal to, or even better than, many private health insurance plans, allowing SSI beneficiaries and other Medicaid recipients to effectively manage their illness or disability. However, many Medicaid recipients don't realize that...

Special Needs 101

Because SSI's income and resource limits are so restrictive, it pays to know the basics about the program before deciding whether it is right for you or your family member.

Special Needs 101

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one of the major federal programs that provides monetary assistance to people with disabilities. Although the lack of strict financial standards makes SSDI benefits easier to manage once they are obtained, not everyone with...

Special Needs 101

The PASS program allows SSI beneficiaries to use their non-SSI income to pay for job training or to start a business. If beneficiaries follow the complicated rules governing the program, the Social Security Administration will not count income used for...

Special Needs 101

When a child with special needs is setting aside money for college, a 529 Plan may not be the best option. Here are some things to think about when family members ask about the best way to provide funds for...

Special Needs 101

Although the typical Social Security Disability Insurance recipient has worked for a fairly long time before the onset of his disabling condition, an adult who became disabled before turning 22 can also qualify for SSDI if she has a parent...

Special Needs 101

There are so many programs and services available for people with disabilities that it can make your head spin. Fortunately, the federal government has created a Web site that collects information about a wide variety of state and federal resources...

Special Needs 101