Elder Law Newsletters

Annuity Payout Options

An annuity contract includes provisions for paying out benefits to the annuitant or beneficiary. There are many payout options available. Generally, a portion of each annuity payment is income; thus, federal income tax applies.

Employment - Older Americans and the Peace Corps

The arm of the United States federal government that is designed to promote world peace is known as the Peace Corps. In the Peace Corps, volunteers live and work in developing countries, known as host countries, helping to train and educate residents. For example, Peace Corps volunteers have helped educate people about AIDS, business development, and information technology.

Employment - Veterans - Temporary and Excepted Service and Preference Enforcement

In the federal government, jobs not to exceed one year are known as temporary appointments. Agencies typically select candidates for temporary jobs either using the competitive examination process, discussed in detail in a separate article, or through a separate process known as "outside the register." Successful applicants for temporary jobs do not acquire status as civil service employees, nor are they eligible, outside of the competitive process, for career-conditional appointments. However, veterans are accorded preferences even in temporary appointments and in most excepted service positions.

MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR NURSING HOME CARE

Most states limit the income a nursing home resident can receive before she is eligible for Medicaid benefits. This limit is usually below the costs of nursing home care.

Unfair and Deceptive Insurance Practices; Rebating

In the insurance business, rebating is a practice whereby something of value is given to sell the policy that is not provided for in the policy itself. An example of rebating is when the prospective insurance buyer receives a refund of all or part of the commission for the insurance sale. Rebates can be made in the form of cash, gifts, services, payment of premiums, employment, or almost any other thing of value.