Episode 105: Questions and Answers with Host Annette Hines

The questions have been piling up in Host Annette Hines’ inbox so it is time to do a Q&A session.  Making sure the disabled community has access to all the information they need is key to Annette.  This is one reason why in addition to being a successful attorney, Annette is a podcast host, speaker, author and blogger.  

As an attorney, Annette does have an ethical responsibility though to not engage in a client /attorney relationship with someone who is not a client.  Since each case is vastly different, she is not able to give legal advice on a personal level.  These question and answer sessions allow her to give general information on a specific topic.  In this episode Annette discusses Social Security, Transitions and Supported Decision Making.

The first topic covered is Social Security and how your payments can be impacted by work.  Annette discusses SSI and SSDI, and how they are impacted differently by work income.  Annette also discusses how you can use supports for work as well as how to possibly avoid getting kicked out of program eligibility.  If you are looking for additional information, the Social Security  website is a great resource.

Annette next goes into the topic of transitioning a young person with a disability into their next program.  Covid created a huge problem last year when all programs went to a virtual format.  Annette discusses how find and get a sense of a program and how it may work for your child when you are unable to visit the program in person.

Annette’s final topic of the podcast is Supported Decision Making, which is very timely due to the state of Massachusetts recently reintroducing a statute regarding this.  Annette discusses “Dignity of Risk” and how a disabled person may be able to use a Supported Decision Making agreement to retain his/her legal rights.

For more information on these and other topics, please also check out Special Needs Companies . For legal advice, inspiration and other resources, visit our blog here. Similarly, you can always listen to previous podcast episodes (and be sure to leave us a review), or download our free eBook here. 

You can also join our free Facebook community for the disability community, the “Circle of Care,” or watch the webinars and other speaking events on

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.