Special Needs Planning
Securing Your Loved One’s Future
Ensure the financial well-being of your loved one while preserving their access to essential benefits like Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, and SSDI. Our special needs planning services provide tailored solutions to protect their future and enhance their quality of life.
Planning for Your Loved One Without Risking Their Benefits
Caring for a loved one with special needs requires careful planning to safeguard their financial future while maintaining their access to crucial government benefits. At Evergreen Estate & Elder Law, we specialize in comprehensive estate planning strategies designed to provide lifelong support without jeopardizing programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
A Special Needs Trust allows you to allocate funds for your loved one’s care without those assets counting against their eligibility for benefits. This ensures they continue to receive essential assistance while benefiting from additional resources that enhance their well-being. Whether you’re preparing for the future or seeking immediate guidance, our team is here to create a customized plan that fits your family’s needs.
With deep expertise in special needs planning, we offer compassionate, knowledgeable guidance to help you make informed decisions—giving you peace of mind that your loved one’s future is secure.
Comprehensive Planning for Unique Needs
Special needs estate planning goes beyond just setting up a trust. Additional tools—such as powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship designations—help manage medical, financial, and legal decisions when needed. These strategies work together to protect your loved one’s rights, maintain their eligibility for government programs, and provide a structured plan for their ongoing care.
Our personalized approach ensures that every aspect of your loved one’s future is thoughtfully addressed, offering security today and for years to come.
FAQs
Understanding special needs planning is crucial to securing your loved one’s future. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about protecting benefits, creating trusts, and ensuring long-term care.
What is a Special Needs Trust?
A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal tool that allows you to set aside funds for a loved one with a disability while preserving their eligibility for essential government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How does a Special Needs Trust help protect my loved one’s benefits?
Funds placed in a Special Needs Trust are not counted as personal assets, ensuring your loved one remains eligible for income-restricted benefits while still having access to financial support for additional expenses.
What other estate planning tools should I consider?
In addition to Special Needs Trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship designations are key tools to help manage financial, medical, and legal decisions on behalf of your loved one.
Can I leave assets directly to my loved one with special needs?
Leaving assets directly to a person with special needs can disqualify them from government benefits, so it’s not recommended. A Special Needs Trust ensures they receive financial support while maintaining eligibility for assistance programs.
What happens if my loved one’s needs change over time?
Special needs planning is designed to be flexible. We help you establish a plan that can be adjusted as your loved one’s circumstances evolve, ensuring continuous care and financial stability.
How do I start the special needs planning process?
The first step is having a conversation about your loved one’s unique needs and long-term goals. Our team will guide you through the planning process, helping you explore the best options to protect their financial future while maintaining access to vital benefits. We’ll work closely with you to create a customized plan that ensures security, stability, and peace of mind for you and your family.
