It is common knowledge that husbands and wives are entitled to collect Social Security benefits on their spouses’ work records. Less well known is that this benefit applies to divorced spouses as long as the spouse has not remarried. Divorced spouses are even entitled to survivor benefits in certain circumstances. As a spouse, you have Read more about How Do Divorce and Remarriage Affect Social Security Benefits?[…]
Admitting a loved one to a nursing home can be very stressful. In addition to dealing with a sick family member and managing all the details involved with the move, you must decide whether to sign all the papers the nursing home is giving you. Nursing home admission agreements can be complicated and confusing, so Read more about Should You Sign a Nursing Home Admission Agreement?[…]
If you’re an accredited lawyer with the Veteran’s Administration (VA) and need your 3 hours of continuing legal education this all new VA benefits seminar is for you. Join the Maryland State Bar Association’s Elder Law Section in Columbia on January 16, 2014, for “Advocacy for Veterans: Aid & Attendance Benefits” from 9:00 a.m. to Read more about VA Benefits Seminar Coming in January[…]
Is a will created on a tablet computer valid? An Ohio judge recently answered that question in the affirmative, but most states have not addressed the issue. As electronic devices become more commonplace, this question will inevitably arise more frequently. Javier Castro was in the hospital and wanted to draft a will. Because there was Read more about Are Electronic Wills Valid?[…]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has announced the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurances for 2014. The big news is that thanks to what the administration says are the effects of its health reform efforts, the standard Medicare Part B premium will remain the same, $104.90 a month. The Part B deductible will also hold Read more about Medicare Part B Premium to Remain the Same for 2014[…]
Looking to help seniors in your community this holiday season? If you live in the Washington, D.C., area, The Washington Post has published a handy guide to local online volunteer databases that will help you find the perfect match. In Montgomery County, The Senior Connection needs volunteers to provide transportation, grocery shopping assistance, and other Read more about How to Help Seniors This Holiday Season[…]
Many people believe that joint accounts are a good way to avoid probate and transfer money to loved ones. But while joint accounts can be useful in certain circumstances, they can have dire consequences if not used properly. Adding a loved one to a bank account can expose your account to the loved one’s creditors Read more about Be Aware of the Dangers of Joint Accounts[…]
This week on “Senior Solutions,” Mindy talks with entertainer Andrea Hancock, aka Seniorita Sunshine, who uses music and dance to connect with seniors in Montgomery County. To watch their conversation — and see Mindy dance to “Mambo Italiano” — tune in to Montgomery Municipal Cable Channel 16 on Tuesday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. or Read more about This Week on “Senior Solutions”: Seniorita Sunshine[…]
When one member of a couple moves to a nursing home, we expect that spouse will be the first to die, but this isn’t always the case. What happens if a Medicaid recipient’s spouse dies first? If planning steps aren’t taken, the death of a spouse can affect the nursing home resident’s assets and eligibility Read more about Staying Eligible for Medicaid after the Death of a Spouse[…]