SSI and SSDI

A special needs trust is a legal document designed to help people with disabilities. It permits them to have funds that enhance their quality of life - without making them ineligible for public benefits.

The New York Times Magazine’s weekly The Ethicist column recently explored a difficult question that may challenge many parents of adult children with special needs.

The Social Security Administration is seeking to conduct essentially all appeals for people denied disability benefits via video conference, despite concerns from advocates that many claimants will not be able to participate by video.

These tax-free savings accounts, which allow many people with disabilities or their families to save while remaining on government assistance, can make a big difference to families with special needs children.

Although homeownership can be empowering for someone with disabilities, purchasing the home through a special needs trust may be in the beneficiary’s best interests.

Trusts where the funds of many people with special needs are “pooled” may be a better option for some people than the conventional special needs trust, depending on the circumstances.

Social Security payments are set to grow next year, although for some recipients the extra income will be slightly offset by an increase in Medicare premiums and deductibles.

Among the many questions surrounding ABLE plans is who can open accounts?  Only the person with a disability? Parents?  Other relatives? Friends? ...

Section 529 College Savings Plans can be an excellent investment tool when saving money for a child’s educational expenses. But if the child receives Supplemental Security Income  benefits, families should be cautious.