Tag Archives: SSI

My Child With Disabilities is Turning 18, What Steps do I Need to Consider?

In the United States, when a child turns 18 they become an adult who is legally responsible for their choices and actions and parents lose the ability to make decisions for their adult child. However, the law provides exceptions for …
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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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Understanding Basic Terms Involved in Special Needs Care and Planning – Part I

At Rubin Law, we are proud to provide legal services exclusively limited to special needs planning including the areas of Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Probate Law for families of adults and children with special needs. In this very specific area …
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What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

Special needs future planning should include guidance in applying for and determining how to remain eligible for government benefits such as SSDI and SSI. If this is your first time learning about the various benefits that are available, you may …
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What Is a Resource? What Is Countable? Your Questions about SSI Eligibility Answered

What Is a Resource? What Is Countable? Your Questions about SSI Eligibility Answered

Evaluating your countable resources is key to determining your SSI eligibility. Making this evaluation, however, can be complicated and confusing. Start by determining which items owned by you or owned by the planned SSI recipient are “resources”. A “resource” for …
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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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Expenditures from a Special Needs Trust

Expenditures from a Special Needs Trust

Families of individuals with special needs use special needs trusts to save for future expenses and protect eligibility for government benefits. Eventually, you or, in the case of 3rd party special needs trusts more likely the successor trustees, will need …
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Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts: How They Work

Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts How They Work

Irrevocable life insurance trusts (“ILIT”) can be one part of future planning for individuals with special needs. Like other future planning methods, people planning to use an ILIT as part of their plan should learn about important provisions to include …
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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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What government benefits can my child with special needs qualify for and when?

Raising a child with special needs is challenging. Many families seek public assistance as a way to help cover the living expenses and health care costs associated with the child’s disability. Once a child reaches the age of 18, he …
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