Texas Estate Planning

Probate: Where to Begin & Frequently Asked Questions

Although we counsel all of our clients on how to avoid probate, going through probate might be the best option for some families. Not to mention that things can change--You wouldn’t believe the number of bank accounts that lost their beneficiary designations when the banks got bought out or implemented new software. We know it’s frustrating and stressful, but our team is experienced in being the light at the end of the probate tunnel.

Of course, you should always speak with a licensed attorney before making any decisions regarding your dearly departed’s worldly possessions. We know it can feel helpful to get the ball rolling, and waiting for an attorney’s schedule to open up is the last thing you want to do, but trust us, there’s no reason to rush the probate process. Take your time, gather yourself, and start speaking to an attorney once the dust has settled and you have the death certificate of your loved one.

If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you or someone you love might be preparing to go through the probate process, or maybe probate is something you’ve never heard of before, but you’re sitting down with a Will in front of you —so let us first express our condolences. Whether someone has already died, or you’re trying to keep busy and stay ahead of the chaos, we know it’s not an easy time. Our team is very familiar with probate and ready to support you from start to finish.

When the word “probate” comes into your daily life, it’s not uncommon to have more questions than answers. Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions together:

1. Someone I love just died, what’s the first thing I need to do?

   Take a deep breath and grieve. We know things can feel like they’re falling apart, but there’s no need to scramble at this time. It actually takes about 4-6 months to determine if probate is actually needed or not.
   
   Probate is the legal process that distributes a decedent’s estate (think bank accounts, home, pensions, etc.) to their rightful recipients. Some folks plan diligently to avoid probate—and their work comes as a great relief for the next generation. Due to the nature of direct deposits and automatic withdraws, it could take a few months to discover if there is an asset you cannot access.
   
   

2. What’s something I should NOT do right away?

   Despite what many people believe, you should NOT immediately close bank accounts. But if you really feel like you need to take action, you have a few options, you can…
   • Stop automatic drafts like any subscriptions or steaming services, health insurance, energy or gas bills, etc.
   • Call credit card companies, notifying them of the death in order to freeze accounts and avoid fraud.
   • Contact all income sources (i.e. pensions, SSI, etc.) so that direct deposits cease and you potentially avoid refunding these institutions.
   • Notify financial institutions that your loved one has passed, but again, do not close the accounts. Simply notifying the institutions will begin their internal processes of checking if any beneficiaries were designated on accounts or letting you know what they need to release the funds in said accounts. Typically, what financial institutions need is Letters Testementary, which you would receive at the end of the probate process.
     
     

3. Why can’t I close the bank accounts?

   There are a few reasons, we advise against this, but ultimately, if refunds need to be made or funerals need to be paid for, it is easier to accomplish these tasks if an account with your loved one’s name is still open.
   
   Please note that a Durable Power of Attorney document is only valid while the person granting those powers is still alive. At this point in time, only the Executor named in the Will, or a co-owner would be able to handle any of these tasks.
   
   

4. What if my loved one died without a Will?

   The legal term for this is “intestacy,” and in this case, your loved one’s estate will be distributed according to State Laws.
   
   

5. What do I need to start the Probate process?

   You will need to gather the following documents:
   1. Original Will (we can work with a copy, but the original requires fewer steps).
   2. Death certificate
   3. List of assets
      
      

6. So how long does the probate process take?

   It depends…probate has very specific instructions that we will help you navigate. Probate can take anywhere from 6-12 months or sometimes even longer. This means that if anyone is expecting to receive any money from the decedent, it will take as long as the probate process takes.

    

   We hope this article has helped guide you in the right direction in a time where things might feel directionless. We know this isn’t an easy process, but we’ll be here for you every single step of the way.

Introducing BACA's 2024 President

“Being part of a nonprofit like BACA just feels like a natural extension of our mission statement at Ard Law Firm.”

Sandy Ard, founding attorney, puts in the long hours and hard work because of our clients, their families, and the unique lives they’ve all lead. She is moved by people’s stories and is always looking to do more to support those around her. These qualities and more are why Bay Area Community Assistance (BACA) has named Sandy Ard their president for 2024.

Our office is so proud of Sandy’s work that she does inside and outside the office. We sat down to hear more about what this work means to Sandy and our community.

Explain in your own words what BACA does and what your work means to the community?

Bay Area Community Assistance (BACA) is a nonprofit organization, providing financial assistance to those experiencing a medical crisis; our mission is to quickly respond to our community’s needs with requests often getting approved and paid the same day they’re received. We’re able to cut through the delay of red tape that normally keeps people from getting necessary grants in a timely manner. BACA members understand that sometimes just getting a prescription paid for allows a person to leave the hospital and go home with medication—ultimately saving the grant recipient from an extra day on their hospital bill.

BACA has been able to touch many people's lives by helping them during a short-term medical crisis. We have helped families with prescription payment, medical equipment needs, rent and utility bills that are past due. Single moms who need help paying for groceries after an expensive doctor’s appointment. I think with the increase of inflation, food costs, rent costs and then one sickness could lead a family into financial distress, but a $300 grant can help fill that financial need or give peace of mind to that recipient.

 

How did you get involved with BACA?

Before BACA, we were involved with CAP (Community Assistance Provider) of Clear Lake which provided similar community support and assistance. Both organizations are run by our amazing friends and colleagues in and around the medical field who see firsthand the necessity and impact of micro-grants. We were cutting back on our involvement with CAP to be present with our children graduating high school and starting law school, then COVID hit and where CAP left off is where BACA began. We were honored to be part of that seminal group and continue serving our community in this way.

 

What’s it been like founding BACA and now being president and watching this organization grow over the years?

Being part of a nonprofit like BACA just feels like a natural extension of our mission statement at Ard Law Firm. Many seniors are on a fixed budget and just one sickness with additional medication or insurance copay could mean having to decide between paying for groceries or the electricity bill. It’s easy to hear a client’s story and want to do even more to help them. Darin and I are so honored to have been approached by Deena with Spectrum Health to get BACA off the ground and be here every step of the way. Being able to have a direct impact on individuals and families in our community is so important to us. Knowing that folks can get assistance quickly after a stressful hospital visit or medical crisis is reward in and of itself. We’re so thankful for everyone who has made these micro-grants possible and kept BACA’s community involvement going strong.

 

What’s the most unique/special/or biggest impact you’ve seen BACA have on the community?

We recently delivered a wheelchair to a family whose grandmother moved in with them after her husband passed away, but her original wheelchair didn't make the move for some reason. Medicare would not purchase another wheelchair for a couple of years, but they needed one to take her to dialysis. The look on the son-in-law's face when we delivered that wheelchair was of true appreciation and relief. Everyone involved in BACA does it for people in the community, they know the importance of their impact; it is our members' donation and membership dues that allow us to fill the community's needs in a time of crisis. Each grant has a ripple effect of good in the community that could be life-changing and we all take that responsibility very seriously.

 

How can others help and get involved and support the amazing work BACA does?

The more, the merrier!! We would love to get more people and companies involved with BACA. Join us at our monthly luncheons on the first Thursday of each month. It’s a great way to meet like-minded/like-hearted people in your community and learn more about what we do as charitable organization. Stay in touch by following us on Facebook and become a member on our website.

Setting SMART Goals for Estate Planning and Daily Life: A Guide for a More Organized New Year

Introduction: As we step into the new year, many of us are setting resolutions and goals to make positive changes in our lives. Whether it's improving our health, advancing our careers, or achieving financial stability, setting effective goals is key to success. At Ard Law Firm, we believe in the power of SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – not only for estate planning but also for enhancing our daily lives. In this blog post, we'll explore how to apply the SMART framework, helping us create a roadmap for success in the new year.

Setting SMART Goals for Estate Planning: Each year, Caring.com studies American estate planning habits and attitudes. In 2023, they found just how important it is to ensure future generational wealth with a solid estate plan. But the main reason Americans haven’t gotten their affairs in order is simply procrastination. When it comes to estate planning, setting SMART goals is crucial for ensuring that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are taken care of. Here's how you can apply the SMART framework to your estate planning goals:

Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve with your estate plan. This could include outlining how your assets will be distributed, specifying guardianship for minor children, avoiding probate, or outlining healthcare preferences. Ard Law Firm’s comprehensive estate planning packages cover all of the above and are fine-tuned to the unique goals of each of our clients.

Measurable: Make sure the progress of your goals can be tracked, this is easy if you’ve made a specific goal. For example, if you want to take steps to preserve your legacy, work with your attorney to outline each stop of the process.

Achievable: Your estate planning goals should be realistic and attainable. Consider your current financial situation and the overall timeline of your year. Don’t try to get everything done in one week—that’s not a realistic expectation for comprehensive legal work.

Relevant: Ensure that your estate planning goals align with your overall objectives and values. Your plan should reflect your priorities and what matters most to you.

Time-bound: Set a timeline for when you want to achieve each aspect of your estate plan. This could include deadlines for creating a will, setting up trusts, or updating beneficiary designations. And don’t forget to look at your 2024 calendar—got a surgery scheduled? Many folks use such an appointment as a reason to bite the estate planning bullet, but be sure to give us a call 2 months before the procedure so you don’t make important decisions in a rush.

January is “Get Organized Month":

When we think of getting organized, images of labeled bins and color-coordinated closets come to mind, but organizing your financial and legal life is just as important as having de-cluttered cabinets. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you can take meaningful steps towards a more organized life that will benefit generations to come.

Welcome in 2024 by committing to SMART goals that will not only benefit your next phase of life, but the future of your loved ones. By following the SMART framework, we can create a roadmap for success that will help us achieve our objectives with clarity and purpose. Whether it's securing our legacy through estate planning or improving our personal habits, SMART goals can guide us towards a more organized and fulfilling future.

Scam Alert for Probate Applicants

Heads up, folks— we’ve been hearing about a new scam targeting Probate applicants. Because probate requires submitting certain documentation into the public record, scammers are pretending to be from the county clerk's office and calling applicants to get their personal and banking information. They're trying to trick people into revealing sensitive details under the guise of official business. But here's the thing: the county clerk's office doesn't make calls like this.

So, if you get a call about your probate case from someone claiming to be from the county clerk’s office, don't spill the beans! Instead, politely let the caller know that any official correspondence should go through your probate attorney’s office—but do not disclose any of your attorney’s information. Your probate attorney is there to handle your case professionally and make sure everything runs smoothly.

If you're worried or have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to contact the attorney you’ve hired to handle probate. We know there’s a lot of moving parts in the probate process, but your attorney is the point of contact for the court regarding your case and you will not receive calls from the county.

2024 Annual Gift and Estate Tax Exemption Adjustments

Originally published by Elder Law Answers for Attorneys

With the arrival of the new year, revisions to the annual gift tax and estate tax exclusions will be going into effect, as recently announced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Gift Tax Exemption for 2024

Every calendar year, you can gift up to a certain amount to another individual (or individuals) tax-free. These gifts can include cash as well as other types of property. The IRS typically adjusts this gift tax exclusion each year based on inflation.

Starting on January 1, 2024, the annual exclusion on gifts will be $18,000 per recipient (up from $17,000 in 2023). A married couple filing jointly can double this amount and gift individuals $36,000 apiece in 2024.

This means that if an individual taxpayer gifts less than $18,000 to any one person during 2024, they generally don’t have to report the gift to the IRS. However, if they gift more than $18,000 to someone in 2024, the gift giver must then file a gift tax return. (Note that the gift giver may not necessarily have to pay a gift tax when giving a gift of more than $18,000 to someone. This is because they can choose to apply their lifetime gift tax exclusion. Learn more about lifetime gift tax limits below.)

2024 Federal Estate Tax Exemption

The federal estate tax exemption is also set to increase come 2024. It will rise to $13.61 million in 2024 (up from $12.92 million in 2023). For couples, this exemption will equal $27.22 million.

In other words, an individual’s estate valued at less than $13.61 million in 2024 will not be subject to federal estate taxes. Most people, of course, are not multi-millionaires. Today, heirs of only a small fraction of the most affluent Americans need worry about the impact of the federal estate tax. (State estate taxes are a different story; those vary depending on where you live.)

Imagine Vanessa, a successful, single business owner with a total taxable estate worth $16 million. As a wealthy individual, Vanessa would likely want to consider how federal estate taxes could affect her heirs. If she were to pass away in 2024, her $16 million estate would exceed the $13.61 million threshold and owe the IRS a federal estate tax.

This is why very affluent people may choose to gift assets to loved ones during their lifetime. It is one way to help cut down on the taxes their estate will need to pay upon their death.

Combined Gift and Estate Tax Exclusions

Over the course of your lifetime, you can give away only up to a certain amount before the IRS imposes taxes. This limit is called the lifetime, or combined, gift and estate tax exemption. Because it’s linked to the federal estate tax exemption, it, too, is set to increase in 2024 – to $13.61 million for individuals and $27.22 million for couples.

Perhaps Vanessa decides to give a vacation home worth $1 million to her only child. She could take advantage of the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption by deducting $982,000 from her combined exemption ($1 million minus $18,000 = $982,000). This would allow Vanessa to give away another $12.62 million in assets before meeting her lifetime gift exclusion limit ($13.61 million minus $982,000 = $12.62 million).

It’s important to note that this high lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion of $13.61 million is currently on track to decrease drastically at the end of 2025, to about $6 million. For high-net-worth individuals who die in 2026, there may be tax implications for their estates. (Read more about the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and strategies that may help avoid any negative impacts.)

Consult With Your Estate Planner

The rules regarding gift and estate taxes can get quite complex quickly. For instance, on top of federal taxes, some states impose an estate tax and even an inheritance tax. Consult with your estate planning attorney. They can help you maximize your legacy by finding the best tax planning strategies for your situation.

Don't Let Your House Haunt You!

The family home can be a place to hold the heart and soul of generations, and just like any good ghost story, if you don’t treat it right, it will come back to haunt you

 

The family home is often the most precious asset–its walls hold sentimental value as well as some real market value. It’s really important to make sure you make the right decision about your home for you and your family. 

 

How could my house haunt me? 

 

Don’t listen to the ghouls and fools who tell you that you can just gift your home away, or sell it for big bucks just before making some major changes in planning. They don’t know about the five year curse (5 year look back period for Medicaid) or the peril of probate!

 

And it’s not just some kitschy catchphrase–probate is no joke. Probate is the legal process of changing ownership of a deceased person’s assets. It can be a lengthy and often stressful process. If a home has to go through probate, maintaining the property and paying the bills can get complicated–and fast. Your house might not be haunting you, but it sure is haunting your loved ones. 

 

Many folks think you can’t own a home if you’re trying to get on Medicaid, but that’s simply not true. In reality, gifts made within the last 5 years will be scrutinized in Medicaid’s crystal ball (mountains of paperwork).  A homestead is an exempt asset that, under most circumstances cannot count against you; however, Medicaid will try to recoup some expenses through the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) at the time of your passing. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep your home safe from the 5-year lookback period, the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program, AND probate.  

 

Stop the Haunting, take Legal Action!

 

Texas allows for Transfer on Death Deeds, or Lady Bird Deeds, which keep the house in your name throughout your life and grant title to a beneficiary at the time of your passing. These two deed options are slightly different and speaking with a licensed attorney can help guide you to the deed that’s right for you, your loved ones, and your goals. 

 

Now, you might’ve heard about a trust to keep your house safe; however, trusts can be more complicated than they need to be. Depending on the amount of property you own and your other estate planning goals, a trust might not be the best option for you and your family. After your passing, a trust must be administered which is a lengthy process distributing all of the assets in the trust. 

 

The most haunting thing you can do is sell or gift the house before speaking with a licensed attorney in your area who is not only familiar with MedicaId but also your assets and goals. 

Probate Avoidance: It's Not About Luck

 

Being the executor of an estate that’s been thoroughly planned sure feels like luck, but that’s because the testator put in the work to make sure everything went smoothly after their passing.

 

What’s an executor and what’s a testator? 

Probate is a process that occurs in a court of law and has a lot of legalese. It can take months, depending on the estate plan your loved one executed during their lifetime. All the legal terms and documents can get overwhelming, especially while you’re grieving, which is why Ard Law Firm, PLLC works hard with our clients to avoid probate. 

 

• Executor- is someone named in the Will who will lead the charge on probate and “execute” all of the provisions set forth in the Will. 
• Testator- is the person who signed the Will. If someone dies “intestate,” that means they passed without creating a Will, in which case the probate process gets a little tricky, but we’re here to help. 
• Probate- is the legal process for a Judge to approve a Will, and then for the executor to change ownership of a deceased person’s assets. 
• Beneficiary- is simply someone who will benefit from whichever document(s) you execute. 

 

“I don’t want to put my kids through that,” is something we hear a lot from folks who have had the unlucky task of going through probate. They know firsthand the problems of inadequate estate planning and want their loved ones to avoid that headache. 

 

What can I do to help my loved ones when I’m gone?

Executing a comprehensive Last Will and Testament with the help of an attorney is the best place to start in probate avoidance. Without a Will, the state you live in has plans for what will happen to your property after you pass away…and those plans aren’t always what you would have wanted to happen. But if you have a valid Will that explicitly outlines your wishes for your assets, then the probate process will be easier on those who survive you. 

 

Designate a beneficiary to be paid at your death for all of your bank accounts, retirement funds, etc. This is one of the best ways to avoid probate. Please note that beneficiary designations are different from simply granting someone access to your accounts and financial powers of attorney end with the death of the person granting such powers.

 

In Texas, you can even designate a beneficiary on your vehicles with a VTR-121 form. 

 

And lastly, keeping your home out of probate will save your friends and family a lot of time, money, and stress. There are a few ways to do this–of course, you can put the home in a trust, but oftentimes, a trust can become overly complicated for your needs, especially if there’s only one property. In Texas, you can either execute a Lady Bird Deed or a Transfer on Death Deed, both deeds allow you to name beneficiaries to receive the property at the time of your passing. There are slight differences between the two deeds, and once you speak with one of our attorneys, they can tell you which document works best for you and your family. 

 

Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones Unlucky

It’s not superstitious to plan ahead, the future of your estate is in your hands. Taking steps to set up a solid estate plan helps avoid any unlucky issues for your loved ones once you’re gone.

Back to School for the Sandwich Generation: Balancing Care Needs for Both Children and Aging Parents

 

School supply runs, orientations, and adjusting the entire family to new sleep schedules–August has its work cut out for parents. Back-to-school preparations are upon us once again, and for the Sandwich Generation, it can also bring the challenge of juggling their parents' care needs alongside their own family responsibilities. If you find yourself navigating the delicate balance between caring for aging parents and raising school-going children, rest assured that you are not alone. 

As temperatures start to cool down, you might feel your responsibilities heating up–the demands on your time and energy may become overwhelming. Today, we'll explore how the transition from summer to school can impact the Sandwich Generation and discuss the various resources available to help lighten the load.

Making the Transition from Summer to School

In the heat of the summer, schedules are flexible and kids are easy-going (or can be), making it easier to spend more time caring for your aging parents. Caregiving tasks might’ve been lightwork in May, but come August, you might look up and realize your daily routine is structured around the needs of your aging parents. But as the school year begins, routines change, and the added responsibilities can place immense pressure on Sandwich Generation caregivers.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

With your attention diverted to the kids, it can be challenging to dedicate the same amount of time and attention to your parents' care needs as they navigate this new terrain of aging.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the competing demands of caregiving for both generations, it's crucial to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, recognizing your limits and seeking assistance is an act of strength and love, ensuring that you can provide the best possible care for your loved ones of all ages.

Caregiving Options for the Sandwich Generation

1. In-Home Care: Consider engaging professional caregivers who can provide support and assistance to your aging parents in the comfort of their own home. These caregivers can help with daily tasks, medication reminders, and companionship, giving you the time to make cupcakes for the bake sale and still get Grandma and Grandpa ready for your kid’s football game or choir recital, or even just take some time for yourself.

Did you know that if one of your parents is a war-time Veteran, the cost of in-home care might be covered by Veterans Aid & Attendance? You can apply for this benefit through the Veterans Administration. Ard Law Firm is accredited with the VA and can help you navigate this process by submitting appeals, arguing claims, and being a resource every step of the way.

2. Adult Day Care: Adult day care centers offer a safe and social environment for seniors during the day. Your parents can participate in various activities and receive personalized care, giving you the peace of mind to concentrate on work, running errands, and making sure the never-ending to-do list remains manageable.

3. Respite Care: Don't underestimate the importance of taking care of yourself. Arranging for respite care to give yourself short breaks from caregiving might be the boon to your wellbeing you didn’t know you needed. Whether it's a few hours or a weekend away, this time to recharge can make a significant difference in your ability to be a caregiver for the long term.

4. Senior Living Facilities: While the thought of transitioning your parents to a senior living facility might be challenging, it could be the best option for everyone involved either now or in the near future. There’s a wide range of options when it comes to senior living communities, they offer various levels of care, from independent living to assisted living and even memory care. If you find yourself overwhelmed with complex diagnoses, intricate medication schedules, and confusing physical therapy tasks, it might be time to think about a skilled nursing facility so your parents can receive the professional level of care and attention they deserve. 

Looking into Senior Living Facilities can take some time and there’s no harm in touring facilities and speaking with an attorney months (or even years) in advance to get a feel of the best options for your family. From amenities to medical assistance , pricing, and location, a lot goes into making the best decision for your family. Give yourself the time to mull these details over. We see it far too often, families forced to act quickly in the midst of a medical emergency, trying to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of senior care. 

Whether you’re planning ahead or coming to us in a pinch, Ard Law Firm knows how to be there for you and your loved ones. Our office is well-equipped to work with you at any stage of the process. We have provided our services to the families of the Houston and Galveston area for over a decade, and during that time we have fostered great professional relationships with many of the Skilled Nursing Facilities in the area. 

And if you need something to get you in the back-to-school mood, you’ll have some homework before we can really get momentum built up. This is a process that requires some upfront effort, we’ll need your help getting together crucial documents, executing certain legal documents, and determining the best plan for your family!

Remember, you’re not failing if you seek resources to take care of your parents, you are simply recognizing their needs and providing them with professionals who are trained to meet those needs. Looking into these resources before they’re absolutely necessary can give you time to make the best decisions for your family, alleviating the worrisome question of, “did I make the right choice?” 

Before the school year really goes into full swing, take a moment to make a note of the tasks your parents need most help with–what time of day do you often get a call from them? And how can you plan your fall schedule to accommodate your parents, your children, and yourself? Think of how everyone's needs might change as they continue to age and at what point you think you’d benefit from formal support. 

At Ard Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the complexities of caregiving and planning for the unpredictable future. If you’re wondering how to pay for long-term care or thinking about selling the family home, call us immediately as you might have more options than you realize: 713-429-0218

Medicaid Alert for TRS Recipients

The Texas Legislature recently passed a bill providing enhanced benefits for eligible retirees, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who are receiving a monthly annuity from TRS…so why is a law firm specializing in elder law and Medicaid talking about it? 

While these one-time stipends are incredibly well-deserved, they could have negative impacts on Medicaid eligibility. Ard Law Firm, PLLC works with clients to navigate the Medicaid resource that helps pay for long-term care. Medicaid will see these TRS payments and count them as income, which could discontinue Medicaid services. This is cause for immediate action. And the first step you can take is reading the rest of this article to better understand the situation at hand. 

 

What are the TRS Retiree Benefit Enhancements? 

All information regarding TRS benefits and Medicaid comes directly from the TRS website: https://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/benefit-enhancements-2023.aspx#:~:text=For%20purposes%20of%20Medicaid%2C%20the,trust%20and%20maintain%20Medicaid%20eligibility. 

• Who will receive these one-time stipends? 
• Retired Texas teachers or their surviving spouse receiving TRS as beneficiary 
• Over the age of 70 (as of August 31, 2023) 
• How much are the one-time stipends? 
• $7,500 to eligible annuitants, 75 years of age and older 
• $2,400 to eligible annuitants aged 70 to 74 
• When will these stipends be paid out to recipients? 
• No later than the end of September 2023 

 

How we can help:

Our advice and counsel will depend on whether you’re single or married, and what your current monthly income is! If you are a current client, or would like to be a client, reach out to us so that we will be able to help you maintain or qualify for Medicaid eligibility while receiving this TRS Stipend. Call us as soon as you get the notification that you will be receiving either the $7,500 or $2,400 one-time stipend. Yes, even though it’s just a one-time payment, steps need to be taken to ensure it does not negatively affect Medicaid eligibility. 

 

Medicaid has a lot of intricate rules for eligibility, which is why it’s important to seek guidance from a licensed professional to ensure the stipend is handled appropriately. If you receive monthly payments from TRS, are on Medicaid, and are over the age of 70, call us immediately! 713-429-0218

Memorial Day: Honoring all who Served

Memorial Day is a very important national holiday honoring the brave people who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Sometimes referred to as Decoration Day, this holiday is observed each year on the last Monday of May and started in the years following the Civil War. It is a somber day of mourning for those we’ve lost in battle. 

 

According to History.com Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because on May 30, 1968 General John A. Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance in which folks would decorate the graves of Veterans with flowers. 

 

Honoring all Who Served

 

Visiting Military cemeteries to honor the deceased with flowers is still a large part of the modern holiday. Now there is also a moment of silence observed each Memorial Day at 3:00 pm local time. There are also parades highlighting Military personnel and members of Veterans’ organizations. Here are some other ways to honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day: 

• Wear a poppy flower on your shirt as a sign of respect 
• Fly your flag at half-staff only until noon, then up to full-staff until sundown
• Playing “Taps” 
• Refrain from saying “Happy Memorial Day” to “I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day”
• Visit Veterans Memorials in your area  

 

Take the spirit of Memorial Day into the winter holiday season by volunteering with Wreaths Across America. Wreaths Across America takes donations and volunteers to place a wreath on every Veteran’s grave. This year, Wreath Day is December 16, 2023 with set-up happening the day before.

 

Local events and ceremonies:

• Friendswood: https://www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/380/Memorial-Day-Celebration-May 
• Woodlands: https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10814&month=5&year=2023&day=28&calType=0 
• Sugar Land: https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/921/Memorial-Day-Ceremony
• Memorial Day 10k: https://www.houstonrunningco.com/memorial-day-10k5k.html