South Carolina Legal Services is celebrating Elder Law Month the entire month of May
May is National Elder Law Month. In 1963, President Kennedy declared May to be Senior Citizens Month. Since then, May has become the month to show support for older Americans. Today, approximately 40 million Americans are over the age of 65. That number is projected to more than double over the next 40 years. With baby boomers growing older, it is more important than ever to plan for the legal needs of aging Americans.
But what is elder law? And how can attorneys assist older Americans? Below is a brief list of issues that many aging Americans may be facing:
- Incapacity planning that would include a discussion regarding financial and medical powers of attorney
- Estate planning, including a discussion surrounding the management of assets during incapacity and upon death
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Long-term care
- Social Security (SSDI and SSI)
- Special needs planning (e.g., special/supplemental needs trusts)
- Conservatorship and guardianship
- Elder abuse and exploitation
- Retirement planning, including beneficiary designations, death benefits and spousal benefits
- Mental health law
- Estate and trust administration
During the month of May, South Carolina Legal Services will join other attorneys across the country in educating seniors and individuals with disabilities about legal issues they may face. We will be hosting legal clinics throughout the state to inform seniors and individuals with disabilities about the legal options available to them in an effort to enhance their lives.
If you are interested in hosting an event or you would like to partner with us to hold a workshop or event focusing on senior issues, please contact Stephanie van der Horst at stephanievanderhorst@sclegal.org.
