Blog

Understanding the MaineCare Transfer Penalty

MaineCare, the Medicaid program in the state of Maine, imposes a transfer penalty as part of its eligibility rules for long-term care benefits (nursing home care, residential care/assisted living, and in-home care through the Home and Community Based… Read More
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Preparing Young Adults with Disabilities for College

This post was authored by SNA member Beth C. Manes, Esq., Co-Founder and Partner at Manes & Weinberg Special Needs Lawyers, LLC. in Westfield, NJ, and Denise Gackenheimer Verzella, a Senior Associate with her firm. An SNA member since 2022, Beth… Read More
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Care and Caregiving Fees in Special Needs Trust Planning

This issue of The Voice® is by SNA member Rebecca Kueny of Kueny Law LLC. Located in Salem, Oregon, her firm covers the entire state of Oregon and focuses on special needs planning, disability benefits, estate planning, long-term care planning, and… Read More
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ASSET PROTECTION PLANNING: FIVE-YEAR TRUST

To qualify for the Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) long-term care benefit, an applicant must have less than $10,000. Certain assets, like the primary residence, do not count towards this asset limit, but those assets are not protected from estate recovery… Read More
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Special Needs Alliance Announces Passing of the Special Needs Trust Improvement Act of 2022

The Special Needs Alliance (SNA), a national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law, is proud to have advocated for and supported the recent passing of the Special Needs Trust (SNT) Improve… Read More
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Important Elder Law and Special Needs Planning Numbers for 2023

Each new year means new financial limits and thresholds related to estate planning, long-term care planning, and special needs planning. Below are some of the most important numbers for 2023. As always, we are here to help you and your loved ones pla… Read More
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The Five Ds: When to Call Your Elder Law Attorney

You met with an elder law or estate planning attorney, discussed your goals, and signed documents reflecting your wishes. With a sigh of relief, you store your documents away and check that item off your to-do list. But wait! Don’t forget to mark y… Read More
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Three Ways to Avoid a Reduction in SSI Benefits Due to In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)

Only individuals with limited income and assets are eligible for Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI. (Do not confuse SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is a very different program.) If an individual who receives SSI is… Read More
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How to Administer an Estate: A Guide for the Personal Representative

A personal representative (aka executor) administers the estate of a deceased person. This blog serves as a general guide when probate is needed, but some circumstances will require additional steps. We encourage you to reach out to an attorney for a… Read More
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What is Elder Law?

Elder law is more about the clients we serve than the type of legal services we provide. It’s not just wills and trusts, and it isn’t just for folks we would traditionally consider “elderly.” Our planning solutions apply long before most peop… Read More
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