Sheri R. Abrams's Blog, page 18

Supplemental Security Income: For SSI Purposes what is Considered Income and Resources?

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a program run by the Social Security Administration that offers benefits to disabled people with limited financial resources.

SSI is designed to provide a cash benefit to recipients so that they can purchase food and shelter.

To determine if you qualify for the SSI program, your income and resources are taking into consideration.

INCOME is any money that you earn (such as wages, disability benefits and pension).

There are 4 different types of...

Fairfax Estate Planning Lawyer Warns, “Millennials, Don’t Believe This Common Myth!”

It will probably come as no surprise to learn that millennials are the least likely generation to create an estate plan. As a society, we associate estate planning with older, retired people who are mostly interested in dividing their assets among their heirs. Since millennials are the youngest, the least likely to have accumulated any wealth, and often do not yet have children, it is understandable that they do not think they have to create an estate plan.

However, passing down assets is jus...

Virginia Social Security Disability Lawyer: How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits Online

A lot of people ask our Virginia Social Security Lawyers how to apply for benefits.  Hands down, the easiest way to apply for disability benefits is through the Social Security Administration’s website.

If you plan on applying for benefits, see below for helpful hints:

Gather Your Documents

Before you log onto your computer to fill out the application, find the information you will need to fill in the online form. Factor in some time to compile the information and track down any information y...

Fairfax Estate Planning Lawyer: Questions You Probably Didn’t Ask When You Picked Your Child’s Guardian

As a Fairfax Estate Planning lawyer, you’ve heard me say it many, many times that estate planning is important for everyone. But, for parents with minor children, it is absolutely critical!

I know how hard this is to think about, but, it is possible that you could die or become incapacitated, which would leave you unable to raise your children. Accidents and illness can strike instantly and without warning. Death, unfortunately, does not discriminate by age.  As such, you should create a plan...

Fairfax Virginia Estate Planning Attorney Warns, “Keep Changes to a Minimum to Avoid a Will Contest Later!”

One of the biggest reasons someone creates a will is so that they can choose the people that will receive their assets. So, the last thing you want is for your will to be changed after you are gone. When a will is challenged in court, it is called a will contest. A will contest begins when someone who has an interest in the estate, most often a family member, challenges the validity of the will after the creator of the will has passed away.

There are many reasons that a will might be contest...

Fairfax Virginia Estate Planning Lawyer Reveals 7 Life Events that Should Trigger Your Estate Plan Review

Because your life changes, so must your estate plan. As a Fairfax Virginia Estate Planning Lawyer, I recommend that everyone reviews their estate plan every 3 to 5 years because life events that you might not even think about could impact how your estate plan works.

While this periodic review is important, there are certain life events that should trigger an immediate review of your documents. Here are seven examples:

1. You move out of state. If you move to a new state, you will want to re...

IRS Now Using Private Debt Collection Agencies To Collect Past-Due Taxes

In a move that adds uncertainty as to whether a caller is a scammer or not, this month the IRS is now using private debt collection agencies to collect past due taxes.

In the past, scammers have posed as the IRS in order to get identifying information or money.   I had been able to reassure clients that the IRS would never harass consumers over the phone. However, under this new rule, private debt collectors may contact taxpayers by phone, which may make it more difficult to determine whether...

Fairfax Social Security Lawyer: The Definitive Guide to Social Security Spousal Benefits

As a Fairfax Social Security lawyer, I am frequently asked about Social Security Spousal Benefits.  They can be very confusing, but here is all you need to know.

When a spouse stays at home to raise children, their income can be severely limited. But that doesn’t mean their retirement is lost.

Married people with little earnings history, or even no earnings history at all, can qualify for the Social Security Spousal Benefit.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets the spouse with little...

Fairfax Special Needs Planning Lawyer says, “Plan for the Life-Long Needs of Your Disabled Child”

Many disabled individuals need specialized care for their entire lives. That means that parents need to plan carefully for the time when their child with disabilities legally becomes an adult. As a Fairfax Special Needs Planning Lawyer, I can unequivocally say that one of the best ways to secure the future for your child is by creating a Special Needs Trust. This type of trust is essential to make sure that your child maintains the level of care that they need.

 

As a Special Needs Planning A...

Fairfax Social Security Disability Lawyer Answers, “How Are Social Security Disability Benefits Reviewed?”

If you have recently begun receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments, you may be wondering about how and when your eligibility will be reviewed.  As a Fairfax Social Security Disability lawyer for the last 21 years, I can give you a bit of insight into this.

Every three years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your case. They do this to make sure that people receiving payments still quality. The review is based on the type and severity of your medical condition and t...