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Do you know what is being done in your community to protect the citizens from crime? Do you have a crime-watch program? Is there a community website that lists the current investigations and events that may have recently occurred? Law enforcement officials can only do so much when it comes to protecting a community. If your community is not active in protecting itself, crime rates could rise and many residents could find themselves the target or victim of crimes. Visit my blog to find out what you can do as a community to lower crime rates and help the law enforcement officials do their jobs.

Special Needs Trust: Keeping SSI Benefits After A Receiving A Settlement

Law Blog

Are you afraid that your SSI benefits will end because you recently received a settlement for getting into a car accident? You might actually be able to keep receiving the benefits if you opt for putting the settlement money into a Special Needs Trust. If you don't know how to move forward with putting the money in a trust, hiring an attorney is the first step that should be taken. He or she will also give you the rules in regards to how the money in the trust can be used, as you might not be able to pay for certain expenses with it. Take a look at this article for more information in regards to putting settlement money into a Special Needs Trust while receiving SSI benefits.

1. Speak to an Attorney About Your Disability

The first thing that you should do is speak to an attorney about your disability and explain why you are receiving SSI benefits. You can actually obtain a Special Needs Trust without help from an attorney, but it is in your best interest to hire one to make sure everything is done according to the law. An attorney can make sure it doesn't seem as though you are trying to commit fraud by obtaining SSI benefits and spending the settlement money. For example, you don't want to end up in a position in which legal actions are taken against you and the money that you are given from SSI benefits has to be paid back.

2. Provide Information About the Settlement

You will likely be asked questions in regards to the settlement that you received for the auto accident. Basically, the attorney will want to know how much money you received. He or she will need to know the amount in order to properly create the trust. The amount of money might also be needed so the attorney can inform the Social Security Administration about it on your behalf.

3. Follow the Rules of a Special Needs Trust

After you have obtained a Special Needs Trust, make sure that you abide by the rules. The specific rules will depend on the state that you live in. Basically, you will likely have to appoint a trustee over your settlement money. The trustee will be able to use the money to purchase things that make your life more enjoyable, such as furniture for your home and many other things. In most cases, the trust money can't be used for food, mortgage payments, and clothing. Contact a company like MARKHOFF to learn more.

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13 June 2017