Tag Archives: benefits

Illinois’ Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) Program

In January 2002, Illinois launched a program called Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD). The program’s main goal is to assist people with disabilities who want to work but are afraid they will lose Medicaid coverage.  For many potential …
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Downstate Illinois Police Pension Benefits: Providing For A Beneficiary With Special Needs

In Illinois, the police officers who serve and protect the citizens of their communities face challenging situations and sometimes life-threatening circumstances every day. These brave men and women deserve a good retirement as a result of their dedication. Article 3 …
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How Downstate Illinois Fire Pension Benefits Can Help a Person With Special Needs

Firefighters hold a special place in our hearts for their courage and the sacrifice they make every time they respond to a call. Their selflessness carries over to their family and community and the team at Rubin Law is proud …
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State University Retirement System (SURS) Pension Requirements for Beneficiaries With Special Needs

This article is for State University Retirement System (SURS) participants who want to learn how to use their SURS retirement benefits to provide for a loved one with special needs. While it may seem like a simple process, ensuring that …
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Using Your Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Pension For Your Loved One With Special Needs

The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) offers benefits for certain Illinois workers. Since retirement funds’ rules and benefits can vary, it’s important to understand how you can use retirement funds to provide for your child with special needs. In this …
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The Basics of Applying for SSI Disability Benefits for Your Child

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an important government benefit for children with special needs. However, dealing with the government can be confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating. Before beginning the application process, you should have a solid understanding of the SSI process. …
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Taking Over Care for an Older Relative with Special Needs

Taking Over Care for an Older Relative with Special Needs

When you first take over care for an older relative with special needs, you will have a steep learning curve. You will need to figure out everything from benefits to estate planning for your relative. Here are a few places …
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How to Gather Information to Include in a Letter of Intent

How to Gather Information to Include in a Letter of Intent

You read online or heard from your lawyer that you should write a “letter of intent” for your child with special needs. But you have no idea where to start. Your daily life is busy and sometimes chaotic, and sitting …
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Your Relative with Special Needs Plans to Get Married. What Next?

Your Relative with Special Needs Plans to Get Married. What Next?

When you learn that your relative with special needs plans to get married, you probably have many questions about the future. Importantly, you should be concerned about whether your family member can continue to receive government benefits after marriage. If …
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What You Need to Know Before Your Child with Special Needs Turns 18

What You Need to Know Before Your Child with Special Needs Turns 18

Don’t wait until your child with special needs turns age 18 to begin planning. Becoming a legal adult leads to many changes in available benefits, needs, and your ability to act on your child’s behalf. Here are just a few …
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Payments from Non-Special Needs Trusts to People with Special Needs

Payments from Non-Special Needs Trusts to People with Special Needs

For people with special needs, receiving a payment from a non-special needs trust may have significant consequences. In fact, any unexpected payments can jeopardize a person with special needs’ eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, Medicaid, and other government …
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Different Definitions of “Special Needs” Under the Law

Different Definitions of -Special Needs- Under the Law

Different federal and state laws provide very different definitions of the terms “disability” or “special needs”. You may be surprised to learn that many individuals whom their families, doctors, or communities consider to have special needs are not protected by …
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Special Needs Future Planning When Future Health Care Funding Is Uncertain

Special Needs Future Planning When Future Health Care Funding Is Uncertain

Parents of children with special needs, advocates, and care providers have followed recent news about health care funding with worry , because health care funding proposals would cut Medicaid funding by 25 percent or more. While lawmakers in Washington have not passed …
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Estate Planning for Your Extended Family

Estate Planning for Your Extended Family

When estate planning for your family’s future, don’t forget that extended family members may need to change their plans too if they want to help your child with special needs. This article described some common situations that arise when well-meaning relatives …
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Why Is Estate Planning for People with Special Needs Different?

Why Is Estate Planning for People with Special Needs Different

There are a number of reasons why estate planning for people with special needs can be different than planning for people who do not have special needs. Understanding these reasons will help you during the initial planning process and beyond. …
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