Special Needs Planning
Expert support to maximize resources to provide the best possible life for someone with disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives with dignity and independence.
Preparing for Secure Futures
Building Brighter Tomorrows
Proactively address challenges like financial security, healthcare, housing, and quality of life to provide a secure future for your loved ones with special needs.
Maximize Special Needs Benefits such As:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Medicaid
Social Secuirty Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Medicare
Housing Assistance
Special Needs Trusts (SNT)
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions we hear most often about special needs planning.
What government benefits are available to individuals with special needs, and how can special needs planning protect eligibility for these benefits?
Government benefits available to individuals with special needs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and housing assistance programs like Section 8.
Special needs planning can protect eligibility for these benefits by creating a framework that ensures assets are used to supplement—not replace—government benefits. We design plans to support people with special needs using tools that include Special Needs Trusts, Pooled Trusts, Ohio STABLE accounts, and other trust agreements. Careful estate planning will prevent assets left to a person with disabilities from impacting eligibility for important support from government programs. Working with an experienced attorney specializing in special needs planning is crucial to navigating these complex legal and financial considerations effectively.
How does estate planning help a child with special needs?
An estate plan can help make sure your child has all the necessities they need. If planned correctly with an attorney experienced in special needs planning, you can help provide:
Money management that benefits the child for their lifetime
Protection for public benefits such as Medicaid
Funds are set aside for the future in case public funding is disrupted or restricted
How do I appoint a legal guardian to look after my child?
One of the most important aspects of estate planning for parents of special needs children is choosing a guardian to look after the child once both parents have passed away. This can be done in the parents' last will and testament. If the parents do not make a joint will, they should make a point of ensuring that they both name the same person as their child's legal guardian.