Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term or permanent disability. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based, SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid over time. What is SSDI? SSDI offers monthly benefits to disabled individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. If you qualify, you may also be eligible for Medicare coverage after a 24-month waiting period from the date your disability benefits begin. In short, SSDI…
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When it comes to planning for the future—whether it’s protecting your hard-earned assets or ensuring long-term care through Medicaid—there’s no room for guesswork. These are complex areas of law that affect your financial security, your healthcare choices, and your family’s well-being. Hiring an experienced elder law attorney can make all the difference. Medicaid Rules Are Complex—and Constantly Changing Medicaid is a joint federal and state program with strict income and asset requirements. The rules differ by state and are often updated, making it incredibly difficult for the average person to understand, let alone navigate. One wrong move—such as giving away…
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When a loved one needs long-term care, the emotional toll is heavy. Families are often overwhelmed, trying to navigate a complex healthcare system while making critical financial decisions. One of the biggest hurdles? Applying for Medicaid. It might seem like just a matter of paperwork, but the reality is far more complicated—and costly if done incorrectly. As elder law attorneys, we’ve seen too many families come to us after mistakes have already been made. Here’s why applying for Medicaid without legal guidance can be a risky move. Unintended Penalties from Gift Transfers Many people don’t realize that Medicaid looks back…
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If you are in a committed relationship but not legally married, you may be wondering how Maryland Medicaid will treat your application. Medicaid eligibility rules primarily consider legally married spouses, meaning that if you are unmarried, you will file as a single applicant. However, Medicaid may still assess certain financial aspects of your relationship, including: Shared Assets – If you and your partner jointly own property or financial accounts, Medicaid may count your portion as part of your resources. Household Contributions – If your partner provides financial support, it could impact income calculations. Gifts & Transfers – Transferring assets…
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Going through a divorce is a challenging and emotional process, but it’s also a crucial time to review and update your estate plan. Many of your existing legal documents likely name your former spouse as a beneficiary or decision-maker, and failing to revise them can lead to unintended consequences. Here’s what you need to do to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed after a divorce. 1. Update Your Will Your will likely names your former spouse as a beneficiary or executor. After a divorce, you should: Remove your ex-spouse from any roles they hold in your…
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Welcoming a new child into your family—whether through birth or adoption—is a joyous occasion that also brings important financial and legal responsibilities. Updating your estate plan is essential to ensure your child’s future is secure and their needs are met if something happens to you. Here are key steps to take after the birth or adoption of a child. Update Your Will A will is the cornerstone of your estate plan, and if you don’t have one, now is the time to create it. Key updates should include: Naming a legal guardian to care for your child if you…
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Relocating to a new state or country brings exciting opportunities but also requires important legal and financial considerations. One crucial step that many people overlook is updating their estate plan. Laws governing wills, trusts, taxes, and healthcare directives vary by location, and failing to adjust your plan accordingly can lead to unintended consequences. Here’s what you need to consider when moving to a new state or country. 1. Review State-Specific Estate Laws Each state has different laws regarding wills, trusts, probate, and power of attorney. Even if your estate plan was valid in your previous state, certain provisions may…
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Getting married for a second time is an exciting new chapter in life, but it also brings unique estate planning challenges. Blending families, protecting assets, and ensuring your wishes are honored require careful planning. Here’s what you should consider when entering a second marriage. 1. Review and Update Your Estate Plan A second marriage often means previous estate plans need to be revised. Review your will, trusts, and other estate planning documents to ensure they align with your new marital situation and financial goals. 2. Update Beneficiary Designations Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death bank…
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Losing a loved one is an emotional and difficult time. While grieving, legal and financial matters may not be top of mind, but reviewing your estate plan is an important step to ensure your wishes remain intact and reflect any necessary changes. Here’s why and how you should revisit your estate plan after the passing of a loved one. Update Beneficiary Designations If your loved one was named as a beneficiary on any of your accounts—such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or payable-on-death bank accounts—you may need to update these designations to ensure your assets will pass according…
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Receiving an inheritance can be a life-changing event, but without careful planning, it can also disappear more quickly than you expect. Whether your inheritance is large or small, strategic financial and legal planning can help ensure that it provides long-term benefits for you and your loved ones. Here are some key steps to make your inheritance last. Take Your Time It can be tempting to make big decisions right away, but it’s important to pause and assess your financial situation before making any major moves. Consider meeting with a financial advisor or estate planning attorney to develop a solid strategy….
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