Does a Settlement Impact Disability Benefits?

  Disabled claimants may run into benefit issues when accepting proceeds from a personal injury settlement. The acceptance of a lump sum may render an individual ineligible for needs-based government benefits, while entitlement benefits remain intact. When it comes to disability benefits, which is which—and how can a claimant protect their eligibility? SSDI vs. SSI: […]

Which Government Benefits are Affected by a Settlement—and Which Ones Aren’t?

  Last week, the Senate unveiled its new version of the American Healthcare Act (AHCA). The proposed bill includes historically steep cuts to the Medicaid program. But did you know that there are already other circumstances under which an individual may lose Medicaid (Medi-Cal) eligibility—including the acceptance of a lump sum settlement? Whether the AHCA […]

What Goods and Services Are Eligible for Special Needs Trust Distributions?

Disabled individuals who receive needs-based government benefits run the risk of losing eligibility if they accept a lump sum settlement. Fortunately, a special needs trust (SNT) may help the disabled individual maintain benefit eligibility while protecting their assets. The trustee of the special needs trust (e.g. a parent/guardian or a corporate trustee) is in charge […]

Settlement Planning: A Case Study

Whether your client is a minor child, a working age adult, or an elderly claimant, a settlement planner can be a valuable addition to your team. Unlike a broker or a financial advisor who focuses solely on the finances, a settlement planner takes a more comprehensive approach to settlements, considering additional factors such as living […]