But how can you make sure they’re able to get it when you’re no longer around to protect them — and avoid causing unintended problems?
SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING
Pick a Guardian
Choosing a guardian means selecting someone who can step in when you’re no longer able to provide care. Look for someone who understands your loved one’s needs and can advocate effectively.
Determine Their Needs
Assess the kinds of care your loved one needs right now (medical care, housing, support services, daily living) as well as what they’re likely to need in the future. This helps guide legal, financial, and care decisions.
Understand Eligibility Issues
Public benefits like SSI and Medicaid have strict income and asset limits in order to be eligible for them. Unfortunately, even well-meaning financial gifts can cause disqualification, so proper planning is essential.
Look into Trusts
A Special Needs Trust has a major benefit — it can hold assets without affecting someone’s eligibility for public benefits. Your loved one can use it to pay for things like therapy, education, recreation, or transportation.
Choose a Trustee
If you set up a trust, you’ll need a trustee to manage the trust and make financial decisions. Choose someone responsible, ethical, and familiar with (or willing to learn about) your loved one’s needs.
Why Is Maintaining Eligibility for Medicaid and SSI So Important for Someone With Special Needs?
Quite simply, losing Medicaid or SSI can lead to gaps in care, financial hardship, and fewer life opportunities.
Medicaid offers access to vital healthcare services that are often not fully covered through private insurance. SSI provides monthly payments to help with basic living expenses like food and housing. Moreover, eligibility can open the door to benefits like vocational training, personal care attendants, group housing, and transportation assistance.
All of these services help individuals live more independently and with dignity.
Step 1
Schedule a Free Consultation
Reach out and set up a time for us to talk with each other. We won’t know if it feels like a fit until we get to talk.
Step 2
We Collaborate on an Estate Plan
Our team learns about you and your unique needs so we can work with each other to help you design your ideal plan.
Step 3
You Are Set Up for the Future
We’re committed to making sure you understand and feel confident in whatever plans we help you to create.
