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Monday, March 2, 2015

What happens with government benefits if one gets an unexpected windfall?

There are many government programs: SSI, Medicaid, food stamps, etc. Most of these programs have thresholds for recipient’s income and assets. What happens when recipients receive an unexpected windfall – inheritance, personal injury award, etc? Can one retain both the money and the benefits? Can one decline the award? The answer depends on the type of benefit in question: 

SSI

Qualification: In order to qualify for SSI, one’s assets cannot exceed $2,000 (if single) and $3,000 (if married). Any uncompensated transfers of assets done within 3 years of SSI receipt will incur a penalty.

Effect of a windfall: if the SSI recipient receives a windfall, it is considered income in the month of receipt, and asset if retained until the next month. Any transfer of the asset will incur a penalty and a disqualification from the benefit. The only exception to this rule is for people who are below 65 and disabled; they are permitted to transfer the windfall to a Special Needs Trust for the benefit of themselves without losing their SSI benefit.

What to do: consider the amount of money received. If the amount is small, you may consider spending the money on yourself in the month of receipt. There are many things that one can do – house improvements, payment of debts, food, clothing, vacation, etc. As long as the money is spent within 1 month, the recipient will retain his eligibility for future months. 

If, on the other hand, the amount is large, you may consider transferring the money to a trust / relatives and then losing the benefit for the next 3 years. The maximum amount of SSI benefit in New York for 3 years is approximately $29,000. If the personal injury is $500,000, the loss of $29,000 is not that significant.

 

Medicaid

Qualification: depends on the age of the recipient and the type of Medicaid care that one is receiving.

If below age 65, not an SSI recipient and no disabilities, Medicaid considers only one’s income. Assets are not considered. Income thresholds depend on the number of people in the family and whether or not there are children.

If after age 65, Medicaid considers both income and assets. An individual’s assets cannot exceed $14,750 and income cannot exceed $825 per month.

Asset transfers: If one receives only home care or medical care, then Medicaid does not impose a penalty on asset transfers. On the other hand, if one is in a nursing home or will apply for nursing home care in the next 5 years, Medicaid imposes a penalty of up to 5 years. 

Effect of a windfall: If a Medicaid recipient receives a windfall, it is considered income in the month of receipt, and asset if retained until the next month. If one is below 65, one may either retain the asset or transfer it, and retain his eligibility for the future months.

What to do: If a Medicaid recipient is above 65, consider the amount of money and the type of care that is needed. Generally, seniors depend on Medicaid as their medical insurance, therefore retaining the assets and losing the benefit may not be an optimal solution. Consider first spending the money on your immediate needs (paying down debt, house repairs, etc). Then consider transferring the remaining money. Remember that if nursing home is needed in the 5 years after the transfer, Medicaid may impose a penalty and deny the benefits.

This article only offers general information.  Each situation is unique. It is always helpful to talk to a specialized attorney, to figure out your various options and ramifications of actions.  As every case has subtle differences, please do not use this article for legal advice. Only a signed engagement letter will create an attorney client relationship.


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