In a new fiscal year 2025 budget, policymakers call for raising the Social Security retirement age. The proposal is the latest to target the largest program in the federal budget — and the largest income source for many retirees. It comes as the Social Security...

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) figures for 2025. These newly issued numbers will have an impact on monthly Social Security benefits payouts for retirees, as well as recipients of Social...

Yes, you can create a will on your own, often referred to as a "holographic will" or a DIY will. Creating a will on your own can be convenient, but it comes with several potential risks and problems. Legal Validity: If your will doesn’t meet your state’s legal...

More older adults are choosing to live in their homes as they age rather than move into nursing homes. This trend has both positive and negative effects. Remaining in the familiar setting of one’s home can foster a sense of comfort, safety, and independence. Despite...

The over-65 crowd is growing dramatically. Millions of Baby Boomers are transitioning into older adulthood and are living longer than previous generations. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the U.S. population over the age of 65 is expected to balloon from...

Medicare open enrollment is on the horizon. Now is the time to start thinking about any changes you may want to make to your Medicare coverage. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, some significant changes have come along for Medicare and more will take effect in...

Seniors who need assistance with everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating are eligible for Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people who qualify for these services – but wish to receive them in...

Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice that focuses on issues affecting the elderly, those with a disability, and their families. This field encompasses a wide range of practice areas, including: Estate Planning and Administration: Creating wills, trusts,...

Medicaid is the single largest health care provider in the United States, covering more than 75 million individuals, including 7.2 million seniors. The program is also Americans’ primary source of long-term care coverage. Jointly financed by the federal government and...

James M. McKain James McKain joined Shepherd Elder Law Group in the summer of 2024 as a Senior Attorney. James comes to SEL with over 10 years of experience in the fields of elder law, trusts and estates, and special needs planning. James started his adult life...

Since the 1960s, Medicaid has provided health care coverage for low-income people across the United States. For millions of seniors, Medicaid offers financial assistance, helping them to cover the cost of long-term care services. Today, this joint federal-state...

Whether a revocable living trust is right for you depends on various factors related to your personal situation and estate planning goals. Here are some considerations to help you determine if a revocable living trust might be beneficial: 1. Avoiding Probate If you...

A free and secure online account can be used to manage Social Security benefits. Account users can also check application status, request a replacement Social Security card, and view notices online. By 2022, more than 64 million people had a my Social Security...

If you win a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive your award in a lump sum or as a structured settlement. With a structured settlement, you will receive payments over time; you may opt for a substantial initial amount, with lesser succeeding payments to provide...

Many people associate estate planning as a task to be completed when one is wealthy, old, or both. In reality, estate planning should be done for everyone at the onset of adulthood - which is age 18. This will ensure that a person is protected (and wishes met)...