Legal Question in Disability Law in Pennsylvania
i receive SSD medicare and medical assistance (Medicaid)
i won some money in a sweepstakes, will i be able to keep the money to pay some bills or will they seize it?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Depending on the amount, you can use the sweepstakes winnings to pay current bills and prepay some necessary bills (rent/mortgage, utilities).You can not however use the funds to buy luxuries (think any sole or aggregated expenditure over $500).
You need to inform the state about the change in circumstance no later than the next time you must requalify for aid (usually bi-annually). But to be safe you should call your social worker and discuss.
The state has regulations about how much of the asset you can keep versus how much they can request for repayment for amounts expended.
Depending on the amount you may wish to consult with an attorney so that you can best negotiate a fair settlement with the state.
Regards,
Roger Traversa