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Public Benefits Planning

Navigating government programs: Medicaid, SSI and SSDI

Public benefits planning is a strategic process designed to help individuals—primarily those with disabilities or low incomes—navigate, apply for, and maintain eligibility for government programs such as Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI. The goal is to maximize available support while ensuring that income, employment, or inheritance does not inadvertently disqualify them from essential services.

Public benefits planning is essential to safeguard assets from being depleted by nursing home costs and to prevent or appeal the reduction or denial of benefits. Public benefits planning must be proactive and initiated at least five years in advance to ensure long-term care and financial stability.
For strategic public benefits planning, especially in complex cases, the elder law attorneys at the Law Office of Julie Low can help navigate state-specific regulations.

Key Aspects of Public Benefits Planning

  • Medicaid Planning: Strategically managing income and assets to meet strict eligibility requirements (often under $2,000) for long-term care, often using trust structures to protect assets.
  • Means-Tested Analysis: Evaluating income and asset limits for “needs-based” programs. For 2025, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) individual monthly benefit is up to $967.
  • Work Incentives: Utilizing tools like the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) which allows individuals to set aside income for work-related goals without losing benefits.
  • Veterans Benefits: Planning for Aid and Attendance benefits, which can help cover assisted living costs, including navigating the three-year “look-back” period.
  • Special Needs Planning: Implementing strategies like Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) or ABLE Accounts to save money for quality-of-life expenses while maintaining Medicaid or SSI eligibility. 

Commonly Planned Benefits

  • Medical: Medicare (for those 65+ or with specific disabilities), Medicaid (low-income healthcare and long-term care), and Medicaid Buy-In programs.
  • Income Support/Cash: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC).
  • Nutrition & Housing Support: SNAP (food assistance) and Section 8 or subsidized housing  assistance, and personal care services.