Can I qualify for Medicaid if I have too many assets or own a home?

Often yes. Florida treats some assets as exempt (in many cases including your primary home, within limits), and there are legal strategies to protect or convert countable assets. A consultation is the way to know where you stand.

What is the 5-year look-back — and is it too late for me?

Medicaid reviews certain asset transfers made in the five years before applying, and some gifts can create a penalty. But even in a crisis, planning options exist — it's rarely truly "too late" to protect something.

How much does long-term care cost in Florida, and will Medicaid pay?

Nursing-home care often exceeds $10,000 a month. Medicare generally won't cover long-term custodial care; Medicaid can, once you qualify.

Do I have to sell my house or spend down everything first?

Usually not. Protecting the home and savings within the rules is exactly what Medicaid planning is designed to do.

What's the difference between elder law and estate planning?

Estate planning focuses on what happens to your assets after you pass; elder law focuses on protecting your income and assets during your life, including planning for long-term care.

Can you help if my loved one is already in a facility?

Yes — crisis Medicaid planning is a core part of our practice.

What happens in the free consultation?

We learn your situation, explain your options in plain English, and outline next steps — with no obligation.

Call Now: 305-902-4552

Leave Your Loved One an Inheritance Without Losing Their SSI or Medicaid.

Board-certified Florida elder law attorney Jason Neufeld, author of a handbook for special needs trustees, sets up special needs trusts so your loved one keeps their benefits and has protected money for a better quality of life.

See If a Special Needs Trust Fits Your Family →

Takes about 60 seconds · No documents needed.

Board Certified in Elder Law (1 of fewer than 120 in Florida)
Super Lawyers 2013–2026
Author of the Florida Medicaid planning book

What Florida Families Say About Elder Needs Law

“When my father fell ill, I became responsible for his finances overnight, including qualifying him for Medicaid. Jason’s team gave clear guidance and helped us reach our goals quickly.”

J. Dekate

Google Review

“Quick turnaround, great response time, very thorough, never rushed — so easy to work with.”

Linda Cadogan

Google Review

“Jason helped me get the benefits I qualified for much faster than expected, and explained everything so it went smoothly.”

Mitchell Nm

Google Review

Get a Plan That Holds Up Like Theirs →

Join 100+ Florida families we've helped qualify for Medicaid.

Types of Florida Probate We Handle

Formal Administration (standard probate for estates over $75,000)

Summary Administration (simplified probate for smaller or older estates)

Disposition Without Administration (for very small estates with no real property)

Ancillary Probate (for non-Florida residents with Florida assets)

Contested Probate and Will Disputes

Probate with Medicaid Recovery Claims (we know how to minimize these)

Who we help

"Parents of disabled children"

"Siblings of disabled children or adults"

"Families who want to protect existing benefits or leave an inheritance without affecting SSI or Medicaid"

"Families whose loved one was disabled from birth or after an accident"

See If a Special Needs Trust Fits Your Family →

No obligation. We’ll tell you whether a trust is right for your family before you commit to anything.

Three Common Myths

Myth: “Leaving them money in my will is fine.”

A direct inheritance can disqualify your loved one from SSI or Medicaid.

Myth: “Any trust will protect their benefits.”

Only a properly drafted special needs trust does. The wrong kind or wording can count as their money.

Myth: “A sibling can just hold the money for them.”

Money in a sibling’s name is legally theirs, exposed to their creditors, divorce or death.

Find Out If Your Current Plan Puts Their Benefits at Risk →

Takes about 60 seconds · No documents needed.

How It Works

Answer 5 questions.

Counter 2 Fill Icon from Outlined Fill - Streamline Material set by streamlinehq.com

Our intake team calls you to confirm we’re the right fit.

Counter 3 Fill Icon from Outlined Fill - Streamline Material set by streamlinehq.com

Strategy consultation with an attorney who has already reviewed your situation.

About the Consultation

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Start Step 1: Tell Us About Your Family →

Takes about 60 seconds · Our intake team calls you.

Work With Us From Home

We handle consultations and services remotely by Zoom, phone and email, and can send a notary to your home.

Areas we serve

With offices across South Florida and the Nature Coast — plus virtual consultations statewide — we help families in Aventura & North Miami Beach (Miami-Dade), Plantation & Broward County, Boca Raton & southern Palm Beach County, and Spring Hill & Hernando County. Can’t come to us? We handle most matters by phone and video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an inheritance affect their SSI?

It can, if it’s left to them directly. A special needs trust is designed to prevent that.

Who should be the trustee?

Someone trustworthy who understands benefit rules, often a family member, sometimes a professional.

They’ve already received money, is it too late?

Not necessarily. There are options for funds already received. Sooner is better.

What’s the difference between a first-party and a third-party trust?

A first-party trust holds the beneficiary’s own money. A third-party trust holds money from others, like parents. The rules differ.

Start Step 1: See If You Qualify →

No obligation. Finding out if you qualify costs nothing.

Leave Them an Inheritance Without Losing Their Benefits

Serving Elder Law Clients in the Following Areas

Miami, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Aventura, South Miami, Kendall

‍Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Hollywood, Dania Beach,
Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation, Davie, Pembroke Pines

Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach.‍‍

‍Spring Hill, Hernando Beach, Brooksville, Land O Lakes, Odessa, Hudson, New Port Ritchey, Tampa

GET THE BOOK

We need to verify that you are not a bot.

Please enter your primary email address below so we can send you a verification link. We know this requires a little extra time, so we send two valuable guides to Estate Planning and Medicare Planning for your trouble. We will never spam you!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form

Let's Talk

Elder Needs Law - Office Locations

All information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this website without first hiring a lawyer licensed in your state to discuss the particular facts and circumstances at issue | Privacy Policy

Text Us

To contact us, please text this number:

305-363-1955

By texting us you authorize Elder Needs Law, PLLC to send text messages and marketing content to the mobile number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message & data rates apply. Message frequency may vary. Text HELP for support or more information. Text STOP to opt out at any time.