Have you ever wondered how Social Security impacts those who are disabled or retired? I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for providing financial stability.

Earlier this month we spoke about Social Security and Work. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I want to delve deeper into the basics of the critical topic of social security, public benefits, and financial planning for individuals with disabilities. Did you know that ABLE accounts are revolutionary, allowing you to save money without jeopardizing benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Proper financial planning is crucial, as one misstep in managing assets can lead to the loss of these vital benefits. For SSI recipients and those on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), understanding the nuances of your programs can make a big difference. Navigating social security benefits and work income can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and understanding, you can make informed decisions that benefit your financial stability.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• How work income affects SSI benefits

• How ABLE accounts can help manage assets without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility

• Why planning for Medicaid coverage is important

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: Annette Hines

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

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Imagine navigating a system where your needs are ignored due to your age. This is the reality for many adults with autism facing age discrimination. The fight against this injustice hinges on advocacy, personalization, and accessibility. Advocating for legislative changes ensures equality and fairness.

In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Christina Gravina CEO & Founder of BILT (Bridging Independent Living Together, Inc.). Annette and Christina address age discrimination in autism services, highlighting the challenges adults face when denied support due to age. Christina advocates for legal changes and emphasizes personalized, goal-oriented services over the one-size-fits-all model. Her organization, BILT, offers one-on-one support, therapeutic mentoring, skill-building, and community integration, with options for private pay and insurance. They’ve also opened a center with small group classes and a high staff-to-client ratio, allowing clients to choose activities they enjoy. Christina stresses starting small, gathering feedback, and overcoming funding challenges to create effective programs for people with disabilities.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why you should advocate for legislative changes to address age discrimination in autism services.

• How to provide individualized services tailored to the unique goals and interests of disabled individuals.

• What payment options, such as private pay, school district funding, DDS payments, and insurance, can make services more accessible.

• Ways to create meaningful programs for individuals with disabilities.
  
  

Resources from this Episode:

Website: www.biltne.org

Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn: biltinc

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Talking about the challenges of disability can be tough and delicate. For those living with disabilities and their caregivers, every day brings unique hurdles that demand patience, creativity, and resilience. It’s crucial to focus on person-centered planning and get creative to make sure disabled individuals have the support they need to thrive.

In this episode, I get into the real challenges of disability and how crucial informed decision-making and proactive planning are for parents and caregivers. From my own experiences, I think it’s important to recognize our mistakes, stay resilient, and come up with creative solutions ourselves. I also share why having a solid disability or life plan matters, covering things like agency meetings, housing, financial support, and transitioning to adulthood. Effective communication, adaptability, and a supportive community are key to advocating for your loved ones. Let's keep supporting each other, staying resilient, and making informed decisions to ensure a brighter future for our kids and those we care for.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why it is important to create a disability or life plan for loved ones with disabilities.

• How being creative can help navigate challenges for parents and caregivers of disabled individuals.

• Why it is crucial to recognize mistakes and adjust plans when supporting individuals with disabilities.

• What role effective communication plays in advocating for individuals with disabilities.

• Why it is important to prioritize person-centered planning for individuals with disabilities.
  
  

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Sexuality education is a crucial aspect of personal development, but it often overlooks those with disabilities. These individuals deserve access to information that empowers them to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. Empowerment through education can be a shield against abuse and exploitation.

In this episode, Annette Hines dives into a crucial conversation with Katherine McLaughlin, CEO and Lead Trainer at Elevatus Training. They tackle the challenging yet essential topic of discussing sexuality, especially for parents of children with disabilities. Katherine introduces her comprehensive 22-lesson curriculum designed to support these vital conversations, emphasizing the importance of teaching bodily autonomy, consent, and decision-making to prevent abuse and promote healthy relationships. Annette and Katherine explore how inclusive training programs must evolve to reflect the fluidity of modern sexuality, embracing diverse perspectives on gender and sexual orientation. Join us for this engaging and eye-opening discussion that aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive society.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why it is important to teach individuals with disabilities about bodily autonomy and consent

• How empowering individuals with disabilities in decision-making processes helps them navigate risk

• What topics parents should focus on when discussing challenging issues like sexuality with their children

• Why it is crucial for training programs to address the diversity of gender identities and sexual orientations

• How integrating sexuality education into communities can lead to healthier relationships and overall well-being
  
  

Resources from this Episode:

Website: https://www.elevatustraining.com/

LinkedIn: @katherine-mclaughlin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatustraining

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

How do you navigate the stormy waters of divorce when adult children with disabilities are involved? It's a tough situation that needs careful planning and thought to make sure everyone in the family is okay.

In this episode, Annette Hines provides insights into the challenges faced by divorcing parents of adult children with disabilities, emphasizing the need for clear communication and effective guardianship. She advises keeping the adult child out of the divorce process and separating their welfare discussions from other divorce issues. Hines also highlights the importance of estate planning, recommending neutral third-party trustees, and including life insurance policies in divorce agreements for ongoing financial support. Additionally, she explains the legal steps needed to direct child support payments into a trust, protecting public benefits like SSI and Medicaid.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why effective communication is crucial in co-guardianships

• How life insurance policies can be utilized in divorce agreements to support dependents

• The benefits of involving a neutral third party in managing special needs trust

• Why adult children with disabilities should be kept out of the divorce process

• How child support payments can be directed into a trust to protect public benefits like SSI and Medicaid
  
  

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Preserving family history is like capturing a piece of time in a bottle. It allows us to pass down memories, stories, and experiences to future generations. Whether it's old photographs, letters, or even recipes, archiving family history is a meaningful way to honor our past and ensure that it lives on for years to come.

In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Angela Todd, a family history buff who’s passionate about preserving memories, inspired by her journey with her daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline, who faced some tough times in the NICU. She’s all about capturing those family moments but is not a fan of modern scrapbooking because it doesn't last. Instead, Angela suggests going digital with photos and carefully organizing the originals so that family stories stay intact and easy to access. Through her teaching program, she helps women document their kids' lives, making sure to include everyday moments and the stories of people often left out, like those with special needs, to build complete and inclusive family archives.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The role of archivists in preserving historical documents.

• Why it is important to include diverse voices and materials in archives.

• The challenges of traditional scrapbooking and how digitization helps in preserving family legacies

• Why it is essential to document the stories and experiences of individuals with special needs.

• Where family archives can be donated for preservation.
  
  

Resources from this Episode:

Angela Todd: https://angelaltodd.com/

Contact: a.todd17@yahoo.com

LinkedIn: @angelaleightodd

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Are you missing out on your social security benefits? Social Security updates may not be the most riveting topic, but they’re a lifeline for those who depend on these benefits. Whether you’re already receiving Social Security or planning for the future, keeping up with the latest changes can make navigating the system a whole lot smoother.

In this episode, host Annette Hines delves into the intricacies of the recent updates to Social Security benefits, specifically focusing on In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) and overpayments. She expresses concerns about the impact of ISM on Social Security recipients, particularly those on SSI. Annette argues that including shelter costs in ISM calculations perpetuates poverty among recipients, making it especially difficult for them to secure housing in high-cost areas. She also underscores the importance of addressing the shelter component of ISM to reduce financial strain, and she highlights the need to streamline the overpayment recovery process to mitigate the burden on beneficiaries.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How to understand the asset limits for Social Security benefits to ensure eligibility and compliance with regulations

• Why it is important to learn about Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and its implications for individuals with disabilities receiving benefits.

• How to utilize Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) to reduce income for the trial work period and maintain benefits

• What to consider about subsidization from employers to prevent disabled workers from exceeding substantial gainful activity levels.

• How to stay informed about recent changes to Social Security benefits and overpayment recovery rates to manage repayment demands.
  
  

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Have you ever wondered how to ensure financial security for a disabled loved one after you're gone? Or perhaps you're looking for ways to navigate the complexities of estate planning when it comes to disability benefits. In either case, understanding the ins and outs of Qualified Disability Trusts (QDTs) is a game-changer.

In this episode, host Annette Hines talks with Mark Worthington, Senior Counsel at Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, P.C.. Annette and Mark discussed the intricacies of qualified disability trusts and the significant impact of the Secure Act and Secure 2.0 regulations on retirement and estate planning. These regulations have introduced essential adjustments, particularly affecting minimum distribution requirements and allowing charities to be designated as beneficiaries, providing greater flexibility in special needs trusts (SNTs). This is invaluable information that will make all the difference for you and your loved one’s futures.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How the Secure Act and Secure 2.0 Regulations impact minimum distribution requirements and charity beneficiaries

• Why you should be thoughtful about your trustees

• What the tax implications of third-party special needs trusts are based on income earned and distributions made

• How a trust can inherit an IRA

• What you need to know about ABLE Accounts and why you should have one
  
  

Resources from this Episode:

Mark W. Worthington: https://specialneeds-law.com/about-us/mark-w-worthington/

Engage with us:

Join our community: Circle of Care

Visit: https://annettehines.com

Read Butterflies and Second Chances

LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc

Instagram: @parentingimpossible

Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies

Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.