Special Needs Future Planning for Benefits, Legal & Financial Issues
People with disabilities and their families need to understand government
benefits that may be available and how those benefits are impacted by other
financial circumstances, such as work. They must also prepare for the future
of their loved one with a disability by planning for and protecting their care
and assets. Benefits Planning Specialists, Financial Planners, and Attorneys
who concentrate in Wills, Special Needs Trusts, and Guardianship are all
professionals who provide information and assistance with these important
issues. Although they differ greatly in their services, they all deal
with the broad issue of financial resources. They also provide information
and services designed to maximize the effectiveness of those available resources.
It is important in this area of services for the consumer to understand the
scope of services and be aware of the providers expertise.
Benefits Planning Specialists
Benefits Planning Specialists help consumers understand government benefits
such as SSI and SSDI and how these benefits are impacted by other financial
circumstances such as work. The DHS/ORS Benefits Planning Project provides
information free of charge to people receiving SSI or SSDI who want to work.
Other Benefits Planning Specialists may provide these and other services for a fee.
Financial Planners
Financial Planners help families manage and integrate government benefits and
family financial resources. These professionals hold the CFP Certified
Financial Planner or ChFC Chartered Financial Consultant credentials.
Attorneys Concentrating in Wills, Trusts, and Guardianship for Individuals
with Special Needs
These professionals provide the legal structures necessary to facilitate
financial and other futures planning for families that contain a member with
a disability. Attorneys may also provide consultation on benefits and other
services and supports for people with disabilities. |
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