Resources

For those of us who do not regularly practice elder law and Medicaid planning, there was a significant change to the State Medicaid policy, referred to as the Bridges Eligibility Manual, or the BEM’s. The rules are all easily accessible on-line at www.mich.gov or simply google search Bridges Eligibility Manual and the proper site will be at the top.

These are the criteria used to help determine whether an individual with intellectual disability, mental illness, autism, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, or other cognitive or mental disorders is disabled for purposes of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program or the Social Security disability programs.

The Grim Reaper of the recession harvested Rich’s door and screen company, leaving him with unpaid debts. Then the real nightmare began. Bank of America seized his elderly mother’s life savings to pay off Rich’s line of credit because she had added Rich’s name to the account to protect the funds in case she became incapacitated.

Last night I attended the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan event at the Goldfish Tea house in Royal Oak and was able to catch up with my colleagues Patti Dudek and Marsha Tuck. The tea house was charming and had a European feel to it with its wood floor and shelves that lined the whole length of the store. Right up my alley.

Wall Street Journal Article. Experts often recommend that families create a "special needs" or "supplemental needs" trust as the centerpiece of their plan.

Can you work while on SSI? Yes, if you know the rules. Learn how income affects SSI benefits and more strategies to keep social security benefits while working.

Learn to write a powerful Memorandum of Intent for your loved one with special needs. Special needs planning webinar series.

Safeguard SSI, Medicaid upon settlement or inheritance. Learn strategies to preserve benefits and ensure financial security for individuals with disabilities.

Don't miss experts Michele Fuller & Erika Riggs for a Q&A on special needs planning, disability benefits, SSI rules, and safeguarding your financial future.

Discover how special needs trusts protect benefits while providing fiduciary, caregiving, and asset management support. Learn to avoid common pitfalls and plan effectively for loved ones with disabilities.

Planning gifts for a loved one with disabilities requires careful consideration to avoid impacting their eligibility for government benefits. In this webinar, we will explore how ABLE accounts can be a powerful special needs planning tool for gifting to individuals with disabilities.

Learn the fundamentals of probate in Michigan with a focus on individuals with disabilities. This session will cover key topics such as estate administration for special needs heirs, guardianships for individuals with developmental disabilities, conservatorships, and the vital role of special needs trusts.

Navigating Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can be complex, but understanding the process is crucial for securing the financial well-being of a loved one with special needs.

Deciding between guardianship and power of attorney is an important decision that can significantly impact the care and protection of a loved one. In this webinar, we will guide you through the key differences between these two legal tools and explain when each is appropriate.