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Can the welfare deparment take my inheritance money away?
Anonymous1 views1 answers
I have not been on welfare for about five years ago now. I will be getting an inheritance and I know I have to let them know. I had been working on and off and in college. I just wanted to know how many years that the welfare do not take any of the money??? What are the Inheritance rights in New Jersey? If they do take do they take in lum sum or installments????
Your question touches on two issues: Qualification for public assistance, and 'estate recovery'.
If you inherit money, it is probable that it will drive your assets above the level of qualification for welfare, and you will become ineligible to continue receiving public benefits.
There are exempt assets, and you may be able to structure things so you do not become disqualified, but I urge you to consult with a local elder law / probate attorney BEFORE you inherit anything so you can minimize the impact of this. There are many planning techniques to minimize issues here, but all require action BEFORE you inherit.
Lastly, even if you have 'exempt' assets and qualify for public assistance, the state can still recover from YOUR estate after you pass if you have received medicaid/welfare. Again, you need to consult with a local attorney to bet the full story here.
