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R
Rbucsek Asked February 2023

Will Medicaid or assisted living take all of husband's S.S?

My husband is paralyzed from chest down. Obviously, he needs tons of help. I have been caring for him for close to 3 years (with some aide help through Medicaid, but they are in short supply and not reliable). I am burnt out (got cancer from the stress) & considering putting him in a home or moving with him to assisted living. I only work part time and need his S.S. Would I be able to keep any of his S.S. if I put him somewhere? I thought I read that the wife was allowed to get a percentage?

AlvaDeer Feb 2023
Do take the advice below to see an Elder Law Attorney for advice. You need someone who KNOWS because you can't afford to make a mistake in this. Igloo, who often writes here is in the know on these things, and you might consider a private message asking her, but again, a lawyer can help you with the division of assets you will need. That way if your hubby's share of the assets is spent, he can apply easily for medicaid without repercussions to YOUR division of the assets. This should be carefully and legally done. My best to you.

JoAnn29 Feb 2023
You should see an elder lawyer. Medicaid alllows assets to be split. So DHs split would go to his care and when almost gone you apply for Medicaid for him. Once he is on Medicaid, you become the Community Spouse. You stay in the home, have a car, and get enough or all of his SS to live on. There is more to this but these are the basics for now.

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BurntCaregiver Feb 2023
Your profile says you've been married for 36 years so Medicaid would not require you to sell your home if your husband goes into facility care. Also, if as a spouse you are dependent on his social security income Medicaid considers this. If his social security is low enough that he's on Medicaid now then you may have to make some changes if hes placed.
Like do you own your own home? If so then you may have to move to somewhere less expensive that will base the rent on your income. This type of housing us usually handicapped equipped too. Something to think about.

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