Our Planning Experiences » Special Needs Planning

Special Needs Planning

When your circumstances are different, your planning should be too

One Plan for Your Whole Family

We understand that a financial plan that only accounts for their needs — or only for your retirement — is an incomplete plan.

Government benefits, estate planning, special needs trusts, insurance and investments only work together when one plan is coordinating all of them at once.

What Would It Cost Someone Else to Be You?

A complete plan starts by understanding the role you already play in their lives, then funding the quality of life you desire for your loved one by coordinating all the financial tools available to ensure they live the life you desire.

Advocacy & Coordination

Mobility

Education & Skills

Housing

Recreation & Community

Daily Living Support

How Can We Help?

Government Benefits Eligibility

Navigate the complex rules surrounding SSI, Medicaid, state waivers, and other government programs to help preserve eligibility and identify the benefits and resources available to support your loved one.

Coordinating Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts

Design Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts so each serves its intended purpose, providing greater financial flexibility while protecting access to important means-tested benefits.

Letter of Intent Support

Capture the personal details, care preferences, trusted relationships, routines, and hopes for the future that may not be reflected in traditional legal documents, helping those who step in understand not just what your loved one needs, but who they are.

Insurance & Investment Strategy

Develop a thoughtful funding and investment strategy designed around your loved one’s long-term needs, including how insurance, family assets, and invested resources can help provide lasting financial support.

Building A Care Team

Bring together the family members, caregivers, trustees, attorneys, tax advisors, medical professionals, and other trusted advocates who can provide coordinated support and continuity throughout your loved one’s life.

Even thoughtful plans can leave important questions unanswered. Our brief Special Needs Readiness Assessment can help you evaluate the key areas of your plan and identify where additional attention may be needed.

Action Steps

Use this checklist to guide your efforts in planning and protecting the future of your loved one with special needs.

Do you have a written plan (“Letter of Intent”) to let others know what you want for your child in the future?
Create a Letter of Intent to express your loved one’s needs and vision for the future. This is the guide for the caregiver who will look after your loved one when you’re no longer able to.
Have you considered if your child needs full guardianship, limited guardianship, or supported decision-making?
• Putting a guardianship in place is vital. Without it, you’re leaving it up to a judge in a court of law.
• Make sure that whoever agrees to act as guardian is aware of the role’s significant responsibilities.
• Who will advocate for your child when you’re unable to?
Are you aware of the government benefit programs that are available to your child?
Work with a government benefits expert to ensure that you utilize all the programs that your child might need or is qualified for, and to review all medical health plan options and coverage, including eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare, as well as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and employer-sponsored plans.
Do you have current wills that exclude your disabled child by name?
If not, then any funds received may have to be “spent down” to qualify for various government benefits.

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, you may have some significant gaps in your financial and estate plan as it applies to your child with special needs. Please enter your email to receive a detailed checklist or schedule a conversation with professional specially trained in special-needs planning can help you define or refine your plans and put them into action.

Name