What is an ABLE Account?
An introduction to ABLE Accounts - what they are and how they can be used to help improve the lives of people receiving means-tested benefit
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Law Office of
Eric M. Kearney, LLC
Guardianship | Medicaid | Special Needs
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Eric Kearney
- Jan 3, 2019
- 1 min
New Elder Law Numbers in Oregon
The new year brings some important changes to the Oregon Medicaid eligibility figures. Effective January 1, 2019: The Supplemental...
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Eric Kearney
- Jan 3, 2019
- 2 min
Pooled Trusts: Should You Consider Taking a Dip?
Most special needs trusts (SNTs) are set up to benefit one individual. But it’s possible to contribute to a trust where the funds of...
18 views0 comments
erickearney
- Oct 22, 2018
- 2 min
Can I Trick My Brain-Damaged Brother Into Taking His Meds?
Can I Trick My Brain-Damaged Brother Into Taking His Meds? This question, or variations on it, come up frequently in the world of elder...
26 views0 comments
Eric Kearney
- Aug 29, 2018
- 1 min
Medicare Advantage is About to Change
With open enrollment approaching (October 15 through December 7), many seniors will have the option to switch over to a Medicare...
16 views0 comments
Eric Kearney
- Jun 4, 2018
- 2 min
Social Security Provides Guidance on the Use of Prepaid Debit Cards by Special Needs Trust Beneficia
SSA recently issued new guidance regarding the use of prepaid debit cards like True Link with Special Needs Trusts. This marks the first tim
63 views0 comments
Eric Kearney
- May 3, 2018
- 3 min
Can I pay for travel expenses out of a Special Needs Trust? Can I pay for Companion Care?
A frequent question I get as a special needs planner is “Can I pay for travel expenses out of a Special Needs Trust? What about companion ca
1,287 views0 comments
erickearney
- May 1, 2018
- 3 min
Highlights From the New POMS
Special Needs Planners are excited about the new POMS that the Social Security Administration released regarding Special Needs Trusts. Learn
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Eric Kearney
- May 1, 2018
- 1 min
New SSA POMS on Special Needs Trusts Issued
New guidance from Social Security Administration regarding Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) has issued. Take a look at the provisions.
83 views0 comments
Eric Kearney
- May 1, 2018
- 2 min
What Assets Are Not Counted When Applying for SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps people with disabilities and very low incomes pay for food, clothing...
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erickearney
- Apr 3, 2018
- 1 min
Interesting Articles about Wills and Estate Planning
See this article in the New York Times about the importance of having a will, power of attorney and healthcare directive. Also, for...
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erickearney
- Apr 3, 2018
- 1 min
Social Security Administration Updates SSI Resource List to Include SNTs and ABLE Accounts
The Social Security Administration’s Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) website is a recently updated reference for...
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Eric Kearney
- Mar 8, 2018
- 2 min
New Guidance on ABLE Accounts
New POMS regarding ABLE accounts have come out and can be found here: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130740 Below is an excerpt...
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erickearney
- Jan 3, 2018
- 1 min
New Elder Law Numbers
The new year brings some important changes to the Oregon Medicaid eligibility figures. Effective January 1, 2018: The Supplemental...
25 views0 comments
Eric Kearney
- Jan 3, 2018
- 2 min
New Tax Law Makes Changes to ABLE Accounts
Families taking advantage of ABLE savings accounts will have a little more flexibility in planning for special needs as a result of the...
26 views0 comments
Eric Kearney
- Nov 3, 2017
- 2 min
ABLE account aggregate annual contribution raised to $15,000 nationally
The IRS has confirmed an increase to Section 2503, the federal gift tax exclusion. Section 529A(a)(2) of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Be
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erickearney
- Oct 8, 2017
- 2 min
Impact of ABLE Funds on Needs-Based Public Assistance - HUD
The ABLE Act explicitly addresses how funds in an ABLE account impact SSI and Medicaid eligibility, but what about HUD? Even though...
696 views0 comments
erickearney
- Oct 8, 2017
- 2 min
Key Decisions in Setting Up a Special Needs Trust - Who will be the Trustee?
Simply defined, a trust is an agreement between two people -- a grantor who donates funds to the trust and a trustee who manages those...
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erickearney
- Oct 8, 2017
- 2 min
What Expenses Can ABLE Accounts Pay For?
In passing the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014, Congress created a new way for potentially millions of people with...
44 views0 comments
erickearney
- Oct 8, 2017
- 1 min
Guardianship and Elder Abuse
Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings are supposed to protect vulnerable seniors and people with cognitive disability....
44 views0 comments
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