Simplify the Journey, Lydia Sheehey

10/14/2026

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Announces Benefit Increases for 2027
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SSA announced today that SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), and Social Security Retirement benefits will increase by 3.6% in January 2027.

Based on this announcement, the maximum SSI monthly benefit will increase from $994 to $1,029. Beneficiaries receiving the 1/3 reduction due to in-kind support and maintenance will receive an increase from $662.67 to $686. Beneficiaries are typically notified by early December of their new benefit amount.

Check out additional important changes effective January 1, 2027.

10/13/2026

Free Webinar: SSI and SSDI Made Simple
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The Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health is hosting me on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 12:00.

I will cover the differences between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), how to navigate the disability application process, strategies to maximize SSI benefits, how to maintain benefits while working, and an introduction to ABLE accounts.

Register here
https://umassmed.zoom.us/meeting/register/Gj4c4KNKRbmEDvqVP8eB0w #/registration


I hope to see you there!

10/07/2026

SSI Reporting Rules
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You must report changes to Social Security that could affect your eligibility or the amount of your SSI payment.

Keeping Social Security informed helps you maintain your benefits and avoid overpayments.

Examples: Starting or ending a job, earned income, unearned income, resources/assets if exceeding the $2,000 asset limit, changes in living arrangements, household information...

09/30/2026

One Social Security Record May Provide Benefits to Multiple Family Members
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If a parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits:

• A qualifying Disabled Adult Child (DAC) may receive up to 50% of the parent’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).

• A spouse caring for the DAC may qualify for a Child-in-Care benefit, which is also up to 50%, even if under age 62. The Child-in-Care benefit is not reduced based on age, and both the individual’s own Social Security benefit and regular spousal benefit continue to grow.

Important: The family maximum may reduce the total benefits paid.

If the worker has passed away, different benefit amounts apply.

Graphic courtesy of Grow with Huyen

09/23/2026

Independent Facilitator Info Session
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Learn about the MA Department of Developmental Services’ Independent Facilitator Service!

Registration links are in the comments. Each session covers the same information. Sessions will be recorded.

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

09/16/2026

10 Key Steps of Special Needs Financial Planning
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These 10 key steps of special needs financial planning are adapted from The Special Needs Planning Guide, Second Edition by Cynthia R. Haddad, CFP®, ChSNC®, and John Nadworny, M.B.A, CFP®, CTFA®, with contributor Leo V. Sarkissian, MASW, LICSW.

These 10 key steps can help families of children or adults with disabilities think ahead and plan for long-term financial stability.

09/11/2026

Belvedere Wealth Partners Fall 2026 Webinar Series
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Michael Beloff hosts free virtual educational workshops focused on special needs planning. I attended the series last year and found the information incredibly valuable.

The fall series begins September 15, 2026, and sessions are held on Tuesday evenings. You can choose to attend one session or multiple sessions, but you must register separately for each session you wish to attend. If you’re interested in learning about special needs planning, I highly recommend checking it out!

09/15/26 – Life Planning for Special Needs Families
09/22/26 – Government Benefits
09/29/26 – Working While on Benefits
10/13/26 – Housing Issues and Options
10/20/26 – Being a Trustee of a Special Needs Trust
10/27/26 – ABLE Accounts

Contact Michael at [email protected] with any questions.

This workshop is an introduction to the main planning questions facing special needs families. Topics covered include guardianship, housing, government benefits, qualifying for state services and estate planning, including special needs trusts and letters of intent.

09/02/2026

SNAP Benefit Increase for Fiscal Year 2027
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The US Department of Agriculture announced the annual SNAP benefit increase, effective October 1, 2026. The maximum monthly benefit for a family of one increased from $298 to $306. The minimum monthly benefit for a family of one increased from $24 to $25.

08/27/2026

The Arc of Massachusetts 2026 Transition Journeys Conference
Framingham, MA
October 24, 2026
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Attendees can choose from over 20 workshops covering important topics.

My topic is "Navigating Government Benefits with Confidence."

General registration is now open.

Learn more and register at thearcofmass.org/conference

08/20/2026

Webinar: MassHealth Implementation of Federal Policy Changes for Stakeholders & Partners
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August 25, 2026 - 12:00 PM
September 10, 2026 - 2:00 PM

Both webinars will cover the same content.

This MassHealth webinar outlines the latest information on coming policy changes and how they are supporting members and partners. Changes to eligibility for certain immigrants will start in October, and other requirements, like work and education requirements and more frequent renewals, begin January 1, 2027. Learn about which MassHealth members will be impacted, a timeline for notifying affected members, and MassHealth's statewide strategy to support members and partners through these new processes.

I will post links to both webinars in the comments.