How Does The Social Security Administration Define a Disability?
For a person to be receiving either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), there must first be a determination of disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The beneficiary of a self-settled special needs trust must be disabled. A third party special needs trust could be established with the anticipation that…
WRAPPING UP A PERSONAL INJURY CASE
by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA Settling a personal injury case does not necessarily mean that it is completed. When it comes to significant personal injury settlements, there are many considerations that need to be addressed before the file is closed. By reviewing the situation thoroughly with the client, it is much more…
THE PERILS OF SERVING AS TRUSTEE OF A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
Two recent New York cases and an unofficial conversation with an unnamed official at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare show trustees the importance of understanding their duties as trustees and putting the beneficiary first. The cases are on opposite ends of the spectrum. The first case[1] involved a Special Needs Trust with J.P. Morgan…
PLANNING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Some 43 million Americans have one or more physical or mental disabilities.[1] This number is increasing as disabilities such as Autism and Alzheimer’s disease become more prevalent. Disabilities do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, or national origin. Some individuals with disabilities are wealthy, some are poor, many are middle class. An elder…