Are you a parent of a special needs child? Do you often worry about your child’s care after you die? Such thoughts are common for parents, grandparents, and providers of special needs individuals. If you care for a loved one with special needs, consider educating yourself about planning for such a loved one. One important […]
Government Benefits Made Simple for Parents of Children with Special Needs Read More »
Many parents open a 529 plan with the expectation that their child will one day attend college or pursue higher education. When a child later receives a disability diagnosis, it is natural to question whether a 529 is still the right savings vehicle. For children with intellectual disabilities (ID) or significant developmental challenges, a 529
What to Do with a 529 Plan for Your Child with Special Needs Read More »
When it comes to saving for college, 529 plans are one of the most powerful tools available. They offer tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified education expenses. But while these accounts are generally straightforward, things can get more complicated when a 529 plan is owned by a trust. Let’s break down what
The Hidden Rules of 529 Plans: What Happens When a Trust Owns the Account? Read More »
Several important changes to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) went into effect in September 2024. This blog may be a little delayed in covering them, but I believe it is never too late to try and simplify complex policies. My goal here is to break down the updates into plain language and explain them with everyday
Understanding the Recent Changes to SSI Rules in Simple Terms Read More »
For parents of higher-functioning children with disabilities, one of the key decisions when their child turns 18 is whether guardianship is necessary. While the goal is often to help children live as independently as possible, there are situations where additional support may be needed, particularly in making significant decisions. Striking the right balance between independence
1. Procrastinating Estate Planning Altogether For many parents with children with special needs, estate planning feels very overwhelming, and it’s easy to put it off for another day. Unfortunately, delays can be costly, leaving your child unprotected in case of an unexpected event. If both parents pass away without a proper plan in place, a direct
When parents think about estate planning for their high-functioning child with special needs, they often assume that a Special Needs Trust (SNT) isn’t necessary, especially if the child is not likely to be receiving public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, planning for your child’s future goes beyond government assistance. What happens if you
Is a Special Needs Trust Necessary for My High-Functioning Child? Read More »
When your child turns 18, it’s a moment of pride and transition. They’re stepping into adulthood, gaining independence, and making decisions for themselves. But as exciting as this milestone is, it’s easy to overlook one critical detail: the change in legal authority over their healthcare decisions. Many of us with children who have special needs
The Importance of Healthcare Proxy and HIPAA Waiver For Young Adults Read More »
As parents, navigating the transition to adulthood for a child with disabilities can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to legal responsibilities. When your child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult, which often comes as a surprise to many parents. This shift can create significant challenges, particularly in making medical and educational decisions.
Why You Need Guardianship When Your Child with Disability Turns 18 Read More »
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, signed into law in 2014, created a powerful savings tool for individuals with disabilities. ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing access to essential government benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Whether for daily expenses or future needs, these accounts can play a crucial
Understanding ABLE Accounts Read More »
