COUNSELING SESSION WITH PERSONAL INJURY PLAINTIFFS
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA In some personal injury cases the victim is receiving important means-tested Social Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or other important means-tested public benefits. These plaintiffs require a Self-Settled Special Needs Trust (SSSNT) in order to maintain their benefits. In other situations, the plaintiff is a minor or incapacitated…
Financing Long-Term Care in New Jersey – Begley Report
By: Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA Statistics show that approximately 70% of the population age 65 or over will require some form of long-term care. Long-term care can be received at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. A statistic widely quoted is that the average stay in a long-term…
RISKS AND BEST PRACTICES WHEN HIRING CAREGIVERS
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA and Marianne Johnston, Esquire The employment of a caregiver for an elderly or disabled person is often handled on an informal “handshake” basis. This arrangement is fraught with risk. The article will discuss some of those risks and set forth some best practices to avoid them. If…
MILLER TRUSTS
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA For purposes of Medicaid long-term care services, New Jersey has always been an income cap state. That means that an individual’s income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). Beginning January 1, 2023 that means that an individual’s monthly income cannot exceed $2,742. Historically, individuals…