• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources, including adults 65 and older and people with disabilities.

• SSI recipients must report all sources of income, including earned income, unearned income, in-kind support and maintenance, gifts and financial assistance, and other resources. They can do so via several channels, including online, phone, and in person.

• Failure to report income accurately and on time can lead to overpayments, penalties, reduced benefits, or suspension of payments.

• Life care planners play an important role in helping individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or catastrophic injuries navigate their future care needs.

• By providing comprehensive plans that address medical, financial, and personal requirements, these professionals serve as invaluable resources for families, attorneys, and health care providers.

Thanks to recent changes in the tax law, families can now make limited transfers from existing 529 accounts to ABLE accounts with no tax consequences. Families with special needs children may be thinking about rolling existing 529 funds into ABLE accounts.

• Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) takes an average of six to eight months, with a five-month waiting period from the official onset date of disability before payments begin.

• Fast-track processes can expedite applications for individuals with severe health conditions.