• The Social Security Administration (SSA) initially announced a plan to end paper checks for benefits payments by September 30, 2025, requiring all recipients to switch to electronic payments.

• However, the SSA has since reversed this decision and will continue to issue paper checks to individuals who lack other means of receiving their benefits.

• The SSA encourages electronic payments for efficiency, fraud prevention, and cost reduction, offering direct deposit and a debit card (Direct Express®) as options for recipients.

• Choosing a group home for an individual with a disability requires careful consideration of various factors, including the services offered, cost, quality of the facility, location, and how the home supports individual preferences and autonomy.

• A comprehensive list of questions covering these areas can help individuals and their families make an informed decision and find a suitable living arrangement that meets the specific needs and preferences of your loved one with the disability.

By withdrawing a proposed rule change, the Trump administration is allowing employers to continue to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that it is withdrawing its notice of proposed rulemaking in which it was considering amending Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The proposal to change the rule was put forth by the Biden administration in December 2024.

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and the ABLE Age Adjustment Act are introducing significant changes to ABLE accounts, expanding eligibility and increasing contribution opportunities.

• The OBBBA, effective July 4, 2025, increases the annual contribution limit to $19,000, makes the ABLE-to-Work provision and 529 rollovers permanent, and makes ABLE account contributions eligible for the Saver’s Credit.

• Starting January 1, 2026, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act raises the eligibility age for ABLE accounts from 26 to 46.

• In 2027, the Saver’s Credit for ABLE account contributions will become more generous, with increased maximum eligible contributions and credit amounts.

• These changes to ABLE accounts aim to provide greater financial independence and inclusion for millions of Americans with disabilities, making it worthwhile for individuals to revisit their ABLE eligibility.

• Raising a child with a disability often incurs significantly higher costs than raising a child without disabilities.

• In addition to various government programs that offer financial assistance, many nonprofit organizations also provide disability grants for children with special needs.

• Parents may need to conduct careful research and adhere to specific eligibility criteria, documentation, and application deadlines for these grants.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work because of a severe, long-term disability.

Under certain circumstances, Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) allows former SSDI recipients to restart benefits without reapplying.

Private equity firms are acquiring disability service providers, a trend that has had detrimental effects on vulnerable individuals, including understaffing, neglect, and reduced quality of care.