We often see clients with concerns about loved ones who receive government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Medicaid. Since SSI and Medicaid have very strict rules as to how much money and how much income beneficiaries can…
Although legal planning documents such as a health care proxy, power of attorney, last will & testament, etc. are an important part of any estate plan, if you are the parent of a child with special needs, these standard estate planning documents may not be adequate. If your child will not be able to live independently or support him or herself as an adult, it is critical that you make special provisions in your estate plan.
Imagine a child growing up without a home or a family to call their own; Imagine a child being alone in the world. Unfortunately, this is a reality for thousands of children in the foster care system today. The majority…
Learning that your child has hearing loss can be a very emotional discovery. Parents are often overwhelmed with many emotions. They must quickly learn a great deal about how to best help their child. Oftentimes, parents don’t know where to turn…
This past Tuesday, December 13th, the Cures Act, containing the SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST FAIRNESS ACT, was signed by President Obama and passed into law; this marks an enormous milestone for individuals with disabilities! The passage of this legislation establishes liberties for persons with disabilities which had been previously denied to them.
The Trump Policy Analysis Group (TPAG) [1] has convened to consider probable changes in law that will affect older Americans and those with special needs. Initial TPAG focus is on entitlements, public benefits, tax, special needs planning, and veterans’ benefits. We…
Being the trustee of a special needs trust is a very important role as it serves to protect the interests of a beneficiary with special needs. Often, a special needs trust is established so that the beneficiary can have the…
If you are an agent under a healthcare proxy for a loved one, you may be faced with some difficult questions and issues from time-to-time.
Caring for a child with special needs requires many resources, one of which may be Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
When a parent of a child with special needs retires and begins receiving Social Security retirement benefits, the child may qualify for SSDI. A lesser known provision in the Social Security regulation allows the spouse of the retiree to also receive Social Security benefits regardless of whether they are of retirement age or not—so long as they are caring for the child with special needs at home.
I have met with many families who have children with special needs. One of the most important questions that we ask is, “Was your child declared disabled prior to the age of 22?” If the answer to that question is…