Legal

As long as the beneficiary never receives cash directly from the trust, his eligibility for government benefits will not be compromised. The funds from the trust can be used for services and programs that government benefits don’t pay for but that enhance the loved one’s quality of life, such as transportation, classes, hobbies, and vacations. ...

To change your name in our records, you must provide Social Security with documents proving your legal name change and identity. If you are a U.S. citizen, you also must provide our agency with documentation proving your U.S. citizenship. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We can’t accept photocopies or notarized copies. ...

While the house may not need to be sold in order to qualify for Medicaid, state Medicaid agencies will likely place a lien on any real estate owned by a Medicaid beneficiary during his or her life. The state cannot impose a lien if a spouse, a disabled or blind child, a child under age 21, or a sibling with an equity interest in the house is living in the house. ...

When you give money to a charity, does it go where you want it to? How can you know if your donation is getting in the right hands? Our legal expert has advice to help direct your charitable giving. ...

Be on the lookout for the Nov./Dec. 2019 issue of Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond magazine, rolling out to newsstands and mailboxes November 15-22.

This festive issue will become your go-to guide for traditional and offbeat places to go and things to do as family and friends gather together for the holidays. You’ll also be inspired by our Volunteer Salute to ordinary people in our midst who do extraordinary things with their gifts of time and talent for others. Lively articles about food, films, photographs, Boomer lingo, grandparenting, health, finances and more will make great conversation starters, as well.

You can read the digital version right here and now: https://issuu.com/northeastohioparent/docs/boomernovdec2019

Find a free copy of the glossy print magazine at your neighborhood Marc’s Store, Discount Drug Mart, Giant Eagle, library or over 700 other outlets. Or sign up below to get the magazine mailed directly to your door. Either way, you’ll enjoy pages of motivating stories that will help you enjoy Better Living After 50, right here in Northeast Ohio!

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Have you been appointed the guardian of an older adult, or do you think you may soon assume that role? A local elder care law firm outlines what you should know and do when assuming this important job. ...

Trusting others also makes the elderly a target for scammers. The “grandparents” scam is one that seems to always be around. The “grandparents” scam is when an older person receives a call, usually in the middle of the night, from someone claiming to be their grandchild. The caller claims they’re in trouble and need money immediately and to not tell mom and dad. They play on your emotions. The caller will usually ask the victim to buy gift cards and scratch off the back of the card to reveal the ID number, and then have them read the number over the phone. This is a scam that has been going on for years. ...

Raising a grandchild can be tough financially, but grandparents should be aware that there is a tax credit available that could help them. Working grandparents who are supporting their grandchildren may qualify for the earned income tax credit, which could reduce the amount they pay in taxes by thousands of dollars or allow them to receive a refund.  ...