Public Benefits

The U.S. House of Representatives, in what is seen as a victory for advocates of people with special needs, passed a bill that would put off implementation of several new Medicaid regulations until early 2009.

Individuals with special needs who file a federal income tax return, even if they are not required to do so, may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a special credit that has existed for the last 36 years to...

Carve out a bit of time out to cross off one to-do item that will be key to the future of your child with special needs.

An attorney who attended the Academy of Special Needs Planners' recent Annual Meeting in New Orleans reports on his post-Katrina view of the city and the volunteer effort to refurbish the headquarters of a local organization that assists special needs...

Parents of children with special needs are often daunted by the different government programs that fall under "disability benefits."...

The special economic stimulus payments authorized by Congress in February will not affect the benefits of persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other federal benefits.

A bill that would create IRA-like tax-exempt savings accounts for individuals with disabilities has bipartisan support in the Senate.

Beneficiaries of a special needs trust can still qualify for federal housing assistance programs like Section 8, but careful planning is required to avoid having benefits reduced or eliminated.

The Senate has passed a bill that would postpone the Bush administration's effort to restrict case management services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries, including individuals with physical or mental disabilities and children in foster care.