Social Security Income Archives | Grady H. Williams, Jr. LL.M, Attorneys at Law

Category archives: Social Security Income

Some Non-English Speakers Would Lose Disability Benefits Under SSA Proposal
6 years ago
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is proposing to make it more difficult for people who don’t speak English to qualify for disability benefits. Under planned regulations released February 01, 2019, the SSA would no longer consider a person’s “inability to communicate in English” when revie... [read more]

What Is an ABLE Account? An Introduction
6 years ago
Since the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014, tens of thousands of people with disabilities have opened up new, special tax-free savings accounts to save for disability-related expenses. These accounts, popularly known as ABLE accounts, allow many people with disabi... [read more]

Pooled Trusts: Should You Consider Taking a Dip?
6 years ago
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 many people with special needs are “pooled.” This kind of trust, called a pooled or (d)(4)(C) trust, may be a better option for some people than the conventional SN... [read more]

Social Security Payments, Medicare Premiums and Deductibles, to Rise in 2019
6 years ago
Social Security payments are set to grow next year, although for some recipients the extra income will be slightly offset by an increase in Medicare premiums and deductibles. Announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on October 11, 2018, and effective December 31, Social Security pay... [read more]

Are 529 Plans the Best Way to Save for SSI Beneficiaries’ Education Expenses?
6 years ago
For many families, Section 529 College Savings Plans are an excellent investment tool when saving money for their child’s educational expenses. But if the child obtains Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, families should be cautious in using a Section 529 plan. 529 plans, named for a pro... [read more]

SSA Gives Guidance on the Use of Prepaid Debit Cards by Special Needs Trust Beneficiaries
7 years ago
Trustees of special needs trusts are increasingly relying on “administrator-managed prepaid debit cards,” such as True Link cards, when disbursing funds to beneficiaries. These cards offer trust beneficiaries greater independence and the ability to get what they need more quickly. But such cards e... [read more]

What Assets Are Not Counted When Applying for SSI?
7 years ago
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps people with disabilities and very low incomes pay for food, clothing and shelter. SSI is often confused with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). One of the main differences between the two programs is that SSDI is available ... [read more]

Report: Affordable Housing "Virtually Impossible" for Single SSI Recipients
7 years ago
As rental housing prices continue to escalate nationwide, particularly in urban centers, low-income people with disabilities are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing. The Technical Assistance Collaborative and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities recently rele... [read more]

How to Earn Additional Income Without Losing SSI Benefits
7 years ago
Although Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are subject to rigid asset limits, the federal government has provided a few avenues for beneficiaries to earn income that supplements their SSI benefit. The Social Security Act imposes a $2,000 asset limit on SSI beneficiaries, a figure that... [read more]

Trump’s New Medicaid Work Requirement: Will It Affect Your Family?
7 years ago
In guidance released to state Medicaid agencies, the Trump administration announced January 11 that it would allow states to experiment with creating work requirements for certain recipients of federal Medicaid benefits. In states adopting the guidance, some Medicaid recipients would be required to... [read more]

How Does the SSA Calculate Cost of Living Increases?
7 years ago
Next year, Social Security recipients will see a 2 percent raise in benefits, the largest increase in six years. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients, the average monthly benefit will go up from $1,170 to $1,180, not including people who are blind, for whom the monthly r... [read more]

Who May Open an ABLE Account?
7 years ago
ABLE accounts are a great new savings tool for individuals with disabilities, but not all people with disabilities are eligible to open these accounts. The rules for determining eligibility are for the most part uncomplicated, although one requirement is proving controversial. Created by Con... [read more]