Sheri R. Abrams's Blog, page 5

Rideshare Services Are Opening New Avenues of Opportunity for People with Disabilities

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are quickly becoming a part of daily living in communities all over America.  In areas where public transportation is limited or inaccessible, ridesharing is filling in the gaps. These services also have the potential to make life easier for people with disabilities who are unable to drive.

Uber

As one of the two most popular ridesharing services, Uber has acknowledged the importance of providing transportation options for those with disabilities. Uber’s...

Question: Won’t Leaving an Inheritance to My Child with Special Needs Help More Over the Long-Term Than SSI or Other Benefits?

When I meet with parents to start the process of creating a special needs plan for their child with disabilities, I almost always advise against leaving any type of inheritance outright to the child when mom or dad passes away.

This can come as a shock to parents, who may strongly believe that leaving their child a large life insurance policy or cash benefit, for example, would be more helpful in the long run than having the ability to receive any modest benefit offered by the state or federa...

How Do Transfers of Resources Affect Eligibility for SSI Benefits?

How do transfers of resources affect eligibility for SSI benefits?

If a person applying for Supplemental Security (SSI) benefits gives away property or sells property for less than fair market value, there is a presumption that the transfer was made for the purpose of making the person eligible for SSI benefits.

If the transfer of property was not for SSI eligibility purposes, the claimant would need to provide evidence to Social Security to show why the property was transferred.

Look-back pe...

How Can I Get More SSI Benefits?

The amount of money individuals and married couples get through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is pretty low. That is why many people wonder if they can get their monthly payouts increased.  If you are getting the maximum amount in benefits, then the simple answer is “no.”  This amount is a fixed number and there is no way to appeal to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for an increase.

SSI Maximum Amount

The maximum amount of SSI in most states, including Virginia, is $...

ABLE Accounts VS. Special Needs Trusts Seminar

Educate Yourself!

Sheri R. Abrams, Virginia Special Needs Planning Attorney, will be joining Tia Marsili, Director
of Trusts from The Arc of Northern Virginia, in an informative presentation for families who
have members with special needs and community members. This session will provide an
overview of ABLE Accounts in Virginia and when this type of account may be appropriate, as
well as an overview of three different types of Special Needs Trusts. Included will be the
similarities and differ...

Inviting Others to Contribute to Your Child’s Special Needs Trust

Many parents worry about how they will fund a lifetime of care for their child with special needs. This is especially concerning if the parents are fearful that there will not be enough money left for housing, caregivers and basic life necessities when mom or dad pass away.

When I meet with parents of children and adults with disabilities,, one of the first legal tools that we discuss is a Third-Party Special Needs Trust.  A Third-Party Special Needs Trust is a specialized type of trust that...

Beware of This New Twist to an Old Social Security Scam

Authorities across the nation are warning senior citizens and Social Security Disability recipients about a new twist on an old Social Security scam that is defrauding unsuspecting people out of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars that are ultimately unable to be refunded or recovered.

Scammers are once again posing as government employees and contacting Social Security recipients by phone. They proceed to tell the senior or disability benefit recipient that their social securi...

Legal Steps to Take After Your Child is Diagnosed with Autism

[image error]The weeks and months following a child’s autism diagnosis can be frightening and challenging for parents.  You may be worried about what the future holds and what to expect as you work to adapt to a “new normal” in your home.

While doctors and teachers will generally help parents start the ball rolling with Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and psychological support, very little attention is given to the legal and financial steps that parents need to start thinking about...

Special Needs Trusts Work Hand-in-Hand With ABLE Accounts

Business agreement handshake on white background. Black

Hopefully, you have taken the time to meet with a Special Needs Planning attorney who may have helped you set up a Special Needs Trust for your child. The trust may have been funded with money you have saved, contributions from other family members or with a life insurance policy.  You were also likely told at the time that if your son or daughter had more than $2,000, , their government benefits could be stopped.

Fortunately, new laws...

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Special Needs Planning Attorney in Virginia

Planning for a child who has a disability  is an extremely important and time-sensitive task. Your child is counting on you to create a plan that not only protects him or her now and after you are gone, but also encourages your child to reach his or her full potential. This is where a Special Needs Planning Attorney in Virginia comes in.

Special needs planning makes that a possibility and gives you confidence about your child’s future. By planning now, you can have the peace of mind knowing e...