Applying on-line for Social Security Disability benefits
If you can no longer sustain employment due to severe, medically-determinable impairments that have lasted for a year or can be expected to last for a year or more, you may be thinking about applying for Social Security benefits (“SSDI” or “Title II”). Initial applications are filed online now. You start with http://www.ssa.gov and follow the instructions to...
Reverse Mortgages: Protection for a Surviving non-owner spouse
Reverse Mortgages or home equity conversion mortgages are a type of loan which enables a homeowner to convert the equity in their home to cash that can be used for expenses. For frail elderly people or individuals with disabilities who are running out of funds and need to pay for an array of services that are needed so they can remain in their house (such as home health aides), tapping into...
Medicaid’s Home and Community Care Program is developing new procedures
Frail elderly (over 65) and disabled individuals in New Jersey who reside in the community and require substantial assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) have opportunities to obtain home health care and an array of other benefits through the Medicaid Program. Gross monthly income presently cannot exceed $2,130, and there are resource limits as well for eligibility...
Government Shut-down will affect cases at ODAR Hearing Level
The Federal government shut down on October 1, 2013, and certain aspects of the Social Security Disability process will be affected because the work of many of the SSA employees is suspended
Individuals who are receiving benefits will continue to receive their payments. Initial applications and Requests for Reconsideration will continue to be processed at the SSA Field Offices and by the State...
Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans – Start Investigating online today
Applications for new government -supported health insurance plans are online today. Some people refer to the Affordable Care Act as “Obamacare.” If you have no health insurance or you cannot afford the premiums on insurance offered by your employer, go to http://www.healthcare.gov to start your investigation. You will set up an account and a password. You’ll be asked to...
Recent Changes in Medicaid Eligibility – NJ Elder Law
Seniors and their families need to be aware of the new landscape for individuals who potentially will require nursing home care in the next five years, as the rules governing Medicaid eligibility have changed.
It is vital that individuals save all of their documentation for at least five years in case it becomes necessary to apply for Medicaid. A variety of planning strategies, including...