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After benefits for 2016 saw no increase, Social Security benefits are set to rise by 0.3 percent in 2017. The current average benefit check is $1305.30 per month. The 0.3 percent increase will mean that the average benefit check will only receive an increase of $3.92...

The risk of dementia, broadly defined as a loss of mental function to the point where symptoms hinder a person’s ability to live and function independently, grows significantly as people age. As many as five to eight percent of people over 65 have some form of...

The standard estate plan for two spouses is for each spouse to leave everything to the surviving spouse and then for the surviving spouse to provide for any children and other beneficiaries in their estate plan. However, this plan may not work for individuals in...

When it comes to interacting with the elderly, and especially those suffering from forms of dementia, it is important to realize the extent to which chronic pain may be impacting their lives. Grumpier attitudes and newly aggressive behaviors should not be taken as...

A Durable Power of Attorney can be an essential estate planning tool in case someone becomes incapacitated. Some durable powers of attorney, however, may not be as effective as others when it comes to estate planning. A power of attorney should always be drafted by an...

SNA members, Janet Lowder and Elena Lidrbauch have written for the SNA blog about when to consider using a pooled SNT. Check it out. Here’s the link

When can a person make a valid will, trust, or other planning documents? Generally speaking, a person need only know their potential beneficiaries, knowledge of their property, and the ability to make and understand a plan for the distribution of their property. These...

The US House of Representatives recently passed the Special Needs Trust Fairness and Medicaid Improvement Act by a vote of 382 to 22. The bill now goes to the Senate, which earlier passed a similar bill, but was different enough that the new bill will have to win...

Medicaid coverage for long term care can be a great help in paying for in-home care or a place in a care facility, but the qualification and application process can be complicated and presents dangers to be avoided. In general, Medicaid provides coverage for in-home...

ABLE accounts are a new tool to help disabled individuals receive support while still maintaining eligibility for government benefits. ABLE accounts derive their name from the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience Act enacted in December 2014. As of September...