Planning for retirement is challenging on its own—but if you have a child with a disability, it becomes even more complex. In North Carolina, parents often worry about how their retirement might impact their child's Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or Innovations Waiver eligibility. Understanding how these benefits work—and how retirement triggers changes—is key to protecting your family's financial stability.…

When planning for retirement and beyond, one of the most common questions we hear is: Should I name my trust as the beneficiary of my IRA—or should I name my beneficiaries directly? Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your goals, your family's circumstances, and how much control or protection you want built into your plan. Naming…

Families often focus on wills, trusts, and estate planning when preparing for a child with special needs. But there's one crucial piece that many overlook—and it has nothing to do with death or estate distribution. It's retirement. When parents of a child with a disability retire, their own Social Security benefits can unexpectedly affect their child's Supplemental Security Income (SSI)…



Cary NC Elder Law Attorney A common question I hear from clients and colleagues is: “Doesn’t Medicare pay for skilled nursing or nursing home care in North Carolina?” It seems like it should, right? Medicare is primarily a health insurance program for retired and elderly individuals. Skilled nursing and nursing home care is generally needed by elderly individuals. It would…