What Is Estate Planning for Special Needs? Why Is It Necessary?
Living with a disability comes with financial and medical challenges. Estate planning for special needs can ensure that your child has the financial support and health care they need after you pass away or are no longer able to care for them.
With proper planning, you can ensure that your assets will be available to your child during their lifetime without hurting their eligibility for means-tested benefits such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
These programs are only open to people below certain income and asset limits. If your child inherits a significant amount of money outright, they could lose eligibility for government assistance.