It’s never too early to start planning for eldercare, whether for a relative, a spouse, or yourself. Generally, eldercare is separate and distinct from nursing home care. Nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting. Eldercare offers personal care in a home-like or social setting. In California, there are three primary types of eldercare: Assisted living, home…
The passage of the U.S. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (ABLE) enabled millions of disabled Americans to save money without losing means-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal. Currently, anyone with more than $2,000 in countable assets is ineligible for most means-based programs. Prior to ABLE, it was impossible to save funds for larger…
Disabled California residents may now open savings accounts without jeopardizing means-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal income supplement program that is funded by general tax revenues. Under that program, the aged, blind, and disabled with little or no income qualify for cash benefits to pay for housing, food, and clothing. However, to qualify for…
Rusty stared at the estate planning attorney, perplexed. “Why do you need a list of every song I’ve ever written, even if they haven’t been published? That sounds like a waste of time. Those are just my pickin’s, they aren’t worth anything.” The attorney peered at him through her reading glasses. “And what happens if a relative discovers a song…
The California State Controller’s Office administers the Property Tax Postponement program that allows eligible homeowners to postpone paying their property taxes on their primary residence. The program allows for the deferral of the payment and secures repayment by placing a lien on the property, or if the home is a manufactured or mobile home, by a security agreement with the…
Alicia stared at the statement that had been arrived in the mail. “This can’t be right,” she mumbled. “There is no way Dad’s Medicare premiums have doubled. And why has his monthly Social Security check been reduced?” She picked up her coffee mug and sipped. “I need to call someone.” She scanned the notice for a phone number and dialed.…
Many people set up estate plans because they are concerned with having to pay estate or “death” taxes. Currently, if someone dies in 2020, their estate is taxed by the Federal government for every dollar their estate is over $11,580,000. California does not currently impose any estate taxes. But what happens if you own property in another state? What if…