by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA<\/p>\n
Personal Injury attorneys must inquire as to whether their clients are receiving public benefits. Certain benefits are means-tested, so that if the client receives money directly those benefits are reduced or lost completely. This article will outline the common public benefits and indicate whether the receipt of a personal injury settlement will affect those benefits.<\/p>\n
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Supplement Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested federal program that provides income (a cash assistance grant) to certain aged (65 or over), blind, and persons with disabilities. If an individual has more than $2,000 of assets, he or she will lose SSI. Therefore, the receipt of a personal injury settlement will disqualify the plaintiff from SSI, unless the funds are placed in a Special Needs Trust.<\/p>\n Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This program is known as SSDI. It provides an income to disabled workers. It is an insurance program, not a (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., CELA Personal Injury attorneys must inquire as to whether their clients are receiving public benefits. Certain benefits are means-tested, so that if the client receives money directly those benefits are reduced or lost completely. This…<\/span><\/p>\n