News
Trust Matters Newsletter
ABLE Account Rules Updated As Bigger Change Looms
Recent moves by federal lawmakers are set to enhance and expand access to special accounts that allow people with disabilities to save money without jeopardizing Medicaid and other government benefits.
Oneness for Disability Inclusion
The concept of "Oneness" with its focus on community unity, diversity, and inclusive engagement—can be meaningfully applied to include and uplift individuals with disabilities in our community.
Exciting Changes Coming for ABLE Accounts
On January 1, 2026 there will be many more people with disabilities eligible to open ABLE Accounts. This is because the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, passed in 2023, expands eligibility requirements. Importantly, the age for the onset of the disability increases from the current age of 26 to 46.
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff: April Trostle, Regional Trust Supervisor
Get to know Regional Trust Supervisor, April Trostle! Plus: The Benefits of Establishing a Special Needs Trust Early, by Lee Pruitt from Special Needs Answers.
Achieva Family Trust Beneficiary, Kaitlin Grove, Wins Special Olympic Medals in Skiing
Kaitlin Grove, a beneficiary with Achieva Family Trust, participated in the Special Olympic World Games in Turin, Italy this past winter.
How Long Does It Take Before SSDI Benefits Begin?
Achieva Family Trust recognizes that there is a lot of information out there about the changes going on at the Social Security Administration. It is our goal to keep you as up to date as we can on these changes.
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff. PLUS - March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; and Helpful Tax Filing Tips for Individuals with Disabilities
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff
Meet Achieva Family Trust's Team. PLUS - How to Report Income for SSI Benefits; Social Security COLA Increases
Meet Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Team
Meet Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Team. PLUS - The IRS Raises ABLE Account Deposit Limit; Mail Delays, Paperwork Problems Prevent Hungry Families From Accessing Food Benefits in PA; and All Children Deserve to Live With Their Families
Meet Achieva Family Trust Staff
Achieva Family Trust currently has a staff of 26 people, and each month we will introduce you to some of them.
Congratulations to AFT's President, Amy Dolan Strano
Congratulations to Amy Dolan Strano, Esq., President, Achieva Family Trust, on being recognized as one of the 2024 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awardees!
Achieva Family Trust says Farewell to a Good Friend
"It's always good to be a friend." - Elaine Cole On September 13, 2024 the Achieva Family Trust Social Services Committee met to wish a happy and healthy retirement to longtime member and friend Elaine Cole.
Disability Pride Pennsylvania
Staff from Achieva Family Trust attended Disability Pride events across the state.
When And How Do I Fund My Special Needs Trust for My Child with Disabilities?
Several factors should be considered when establishing a third-party special needs trust (TPSNT) for a child with disabilities. When should the TPSNT be funded? How should the TPSNT be funded?
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
Wills and trusts are foundational estate planning tools. While each is used to distribute assets to beneficiaries, they do so in different ways. Each also has its own distinct uses and advantages.
Achieva Family Trust Recognizes Two Important Observations in May
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has designated May "Elder Law Month." NAELA members are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and people of all ages with disabilities.
PA State Treasurer Announces Fee Reduction for PA ABLE Account Owners
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program account owners will see a lower annual account maintenance fee on their April statements. The fee reduction is the result of the National ABLE Alliance surpassing 35,000 funded ABLE accounts.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed in March in the U.S. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
SSI Recipients Can't Afford Housing Anywhere In The United States
Nationally, the average rent for a basic studio or one-bedroom apartment exceeds the average SSI payment of $983 per month. Even in the cheapest rental market in the country — Dallas County, Mo. — rent for either a one-bedroom or efficiency would require 64% of a person's monthly SSI payment.
IRS Raises ABLE Account Limit
The Internal Revenue Service said that the federal gift tax exclusion increased to $18,000 effective at the start of this month. The annual deposit limit for ABLE accounts is tied to that measure, so it will rise as well.
SSI Beneficiaries Will See Double Payments This Month
People with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income can expect to receive two payments this month, but one will be higher than the other.
Social Security Announces 3.2 Percent Benefit Increase for 2024
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by more than $50 per month starting in January.
Achieva Family Trust Recognizes Two Monthly Observances for October
National Special Needs Law Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Building an Estate Plan for Adult Children with Disabilities
Parents of adult children with disabilities know that their child's disability needs may change over the course of their lifetime. Planning for the future well-being of an adult child with disabilities is, therefore, a responsive, ongoing process.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Finds 'Significant Increase' In Kids With Developmental Disabilities
The number of children with developmental disabilities is on the rise with new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that nearly 1 in 11 kids are diagnosed with autism, intellectual disability or developmental delay.