The major disqualifiers for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) should be reviewed prior to applying. Eligible individuals can benefit from both programs though they have distinct differences. The major difference is SSI eligibility qualification relies…
People commonly know that probate occurs in probate court after someone passes away, and that it is something that happens after someone dies. Most people are unaware of how complicated and lengthy the process is. Depending on how involved it…
There is a difference between estate law and elder law. Estate law focuses on your asset distribution in a tax-advantaged manner after your death, while elder law seeks to preserve your money, assets, and income for your benefit and care…
The drama, the cost, the lost time, the broken relationships – there are so many ways that family problems about end-of-life care for a parent and inheritance can have serious repercussions when these problems reach the status of a legal…
A 2021 Wills and Estate Planning Study of 2,400 Americans by Caring.com with YouGov finds that since 2019 the percentage of Americans aged fifty-five and older who have created a will has decreased from sixty to four-four percent. This decrease…
Medicare and Medicaid have long been a mystery to many consumers. In fact, it can baffle and confuse even some of the smartest citizens. Like me, you might have thought, “I don’t need to worry about this right now.” However,…
It is critical your “power of attorney” (POA) documents are clear and comprehensive for when the time comes when you are unable to handle your finances or make healthcare decisions. Beware if you rely only on POAs that hospitals provide,…
A complete estate plan contains a legally binding mandate called a will, describing the distribution of assets upon death. If you die without one (intestate), the state will distribute your assets and property via state law and quite possibly at…
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) may decrease your SSA benefit if you receive a pension from an employer that did not pay social security payroll taxes. How can you know if this is your situation? Your social security statement does…
Imagine a loved one no longer being able to care for themselves and needing to be cared for in a nursing home facility. You are stressed and anxious. The nursing home puts a twenty-page, single-spaced contract in front of you.…