Dear Liz: I live on Social Security alone, which puts me at the poverty level.

The state pays for medical and dental premiums, so I have no copay for doctor visits or prescriptions.

I was just notified that I was left $175,000. If this shows up in my bank account, I will lose all the medical benefits I’m receiving.

My medications total $80,000 a year. I’d like to at least have some access to the funds to make some home repairs that I’ve needed for 20 years and to prepay my future funeral expenses.

Answer: Inheritances can wreak havoc with government benefits such as Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California), which have strict income and asset limits.

But you may have options to put the money in trust, says Jennifer Sawday, an estate planning attorney in Long Beach. Consult a special needs trust planning attorney for details.

What are the advantages of a co-own credit card?

Dear Liz: Recently you recommended that both spouses have a credit card on which they are the primary account holder. Another option is for the spouse to apply to be a co-owner of their current credit cards. This worked for me when my husband passed away five years ago. The bank canceled his access, but left mine intact.

Answer: Few credit card issuers offer joint accounts these days. Most are set up so one person is the primary account holder, with the option of adding other people as authorized users.

That’s why it’s important to make sure each spouse is the primary account holder on at least one card because the authorized user’s access will probably end when the primary account holder dies.

Liz Weston, Certified Financial Planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. Questions may be sent to her at 3940 Laurel Canyon, No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or by using the “Contact” form at asklizweston.com.