From a special needs planning perspective, SSDI benefits are fairly easy to deal with because the program does not have an asset limit or a restriction on unearned income, like interest or dividends.  But this does not mean that SSDI beneficiaries should not have special needs trusts.

The Veteran's Administration will soon begin enforcing new regulations that make it harder to qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. 

I understand Medicaid’s five-year look back period and its transfer penalty. Most advice I see says that if money has been gifted, you should not apply for Medicaid until the five-year period has passed. What if the amount of money is only around $25,000? If the penalty period starts once you are approved to receive Medicaid, wouldn't it be better to apply ASAP so the penalty period starts? Or do you have to already be in a nursing home to be approved? The person in question owns nothing and his income is close to poverty level. This person could live at home for several more months with some in-home care, but he won't be able to wait five years. Should his family get his Medicaid application in ASAP? 

Knowing the "cost basis" of your property is important for tax purposes, but proving cost basis can be difficult.