At NDSS Advocacy conference we are encouraged to educate our national representatives on ENABLE act which makes common sense policies permanent around the ABLE account. 1) transfer savings from a 529 college plan 2) save more when they have earned income and 3) be eligible for a savers credit

Medicare - the health insurance paid for by taxes for retirement and disability. Once someone is on SSDI for 24 months, they are eligible to enroll in the national program. A disabled person earns SSDI by working or having a childhood disability and collecting a benefit off their parent’s SS.

For a person with a disability, Medicaid protection planning means not having assets in their name. They can be granted funds through use of special/supplemental needs trusts or ABLE accounts. Loved ones need to be aware of beneficiary designations on accounts and estate plans.

#NDSS2025 #advocacy

State have unique rules for standard Medicaid and Medicaid for people with disabilities. Most states share the asset limit of $2000 of SSI. CT’s is $1600. CA doesn’t have a limit. When someone is eligible for SSI they are eligible for Medicaid but may need to apply separately.

#disabilityadvocacy

Medicaid- A state run program that provides health insurance to those with low income and assets. The state decides how to run their program. It can provide access to case management, caregivers, coaches and a list of other services for people with disabilities.

#NDSS2025 #disabilityadvocacy

DAC/CDB - Disabled Adult Child or Childhood Disability Benefit. Income from the SSDI program that gives income to an adult disabled before 22 base on their parent’s Social Security earnings history. The benefit starts when a parent files or passes away.

#disabilityadcovacy #NDSS2025

SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance. An insurance income stream earned by paying into the Social Security System through working and paying taxes.The SSDI payment is never reduced but can be lost if countable earnings are above SGA. No asset limit. Replaces SSI.

#disabilityadvocacy #NDSS

SSI - Supplemental Security Income is the cash benefit of last resort. If someone has a disability they are eligible for monthly payment of $967 if they have under $2000 and low income. If they are eligible for SSDI, SSI is replaced. Working? SSI is reduced. Don’t pay rent? Reduced.

#disability

IRWE - Impairment Related Work Expenses. The expenses SSA will exclude from a disabled worker’s countable income. These expenses are what the worker pays to get to work and do the job - transportation, coaching, personal aids - specifically related to their medical disability.

#NDSS2025 #disability

If you earn the US federal minimum wage, you could technically work full time and still be under SGA and keep your disability status. In DC’s minimum wage of $17.50 an hour, disabled employees have to restrict their work to 20 hours a week if paid biweekly.

#ndssconference #disabilityadvocacy

Did you know working within the rules of Social Security leaves you with more money and more benefits than restricting work? You just have to be aware of SGA and how your income is countable.

#NDSS2025 #disabilityadvocacy

SGA - Substantial Gainful Activity. SSA’s definition on how much money someone can earn and still be considered disabled. For 2025, that number is $1670 per month. Don’t forget you get taxes taken out of your paycheck. SGA includes everything you are paid before taxes.

#NDSS2025 #disabilityadvocacy

We start with SSA - the Social Security Administration. The SSA defines disability as a condition that limits an adult’s ability to work competitively that expected to last at least a year or end in death. Medical determination does not guarantee benefits.

#disability #ndss2025

Today I am at the @National Down Syndrome Society’s 2025 Advocacy Conference. I will be sharing a glossary of planning subjects and answers to questions that attendees ask me at Dependent Financial Planning throughout the conference. If you are here come say hi!

#ndss2025 #disabilityadvocacy

Grateful for the news that advocates are standing with the American people. Most of us will have some form of disability at some time. We need more access, more skilled workers, more support to get what we need, not less.

On my mind are the millions of Americans applying for disability benefits during this uncertain time with the SSA. Ending inefficiencies looks and feels like shrinking access today. Things need to get better but we seem to be going in the wrong direction in so it gets fixed.

Save our services is a chant that can be heard around Annapolis tonight. #ddfunding

Tonight I’m joining up with the Marylanders fighting to keep the budget for programs that support people with Developmental Disability.

Annapolis Capital 7-8:15pm.

We are wearing the colors of the Maryland state flag to represent the strong state support against cutting the DD budget.

#disability