Legal Planning for Special Needs is a resource for parents of children with disabilities and the professionals and advocates who assist them. In an easy-to-read, conversational style, the author covers the essential elements of SSI, guardianship, and estate planning when there is a child with a disability in the family.

Legal Planning for Special Needs is a must have resource for parents of children with disabilities and the professionals and advocates who assist them. In an easy-to-read, conversational style, the author covers the essential elements of SSI, guardianship, and estate planning when there is a child with a disability in the family. This book, which updates an earlier edition, covers the 2009 changes in the Massachusetts guardianship laws.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LEGAL PLANNING for Massachusetts parents of children with special needs. In a relaxed conversational style, Attorney Barbara Jackins explains the essential elements of SSI, guardianship, public benefits, and estate planning when there is a family member with a disability. Families will find the information they need to:* Obtain SSI benefits for a child who is age 18 or older* Contribute to a child's financial support without reducing public benefits* Understand the court process for guardianship* Learn about the alternatives to guardianship* Secure a child's financial future with a special needs trust

For Massachusetts residents, check out LEGAL PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS IN MASSACHUSETTS. Same great information written for MA programs. Managing a Special Needs Trust 2020 EDITION includes updates on: * Housing: How an ABLE account can be used to pay for housing expenses without reducing SSI benefits* Vacations: New SSI rules allow trust payment of vacation expenses for family members who travel with the beneficiary* A new financial product-the True Link card--allows the beneficiary to have spending money without reducing SSI benefits. As well as all the details you've come to expect in this comprehensive guideMANAGING A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST: A GUIDE FOR TRUSTEES covers many topics you need to know, including: * What trustees need to know about public benefit programs such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid* Taxes and special needs trusts* Payment of recreation, transportation, and medical costs* Housing subsidies * Trustee dutiesBy reading MANAGING A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST, you will learn how a trustee can use trust funds to meet the financial needs of a person with disabilities and still comply with the complex rules of government benefit programs. THIS UPDATED BOOK IS RELEVANT TO ALL 50 STATES. While earlier editions were focused on Massachusetts' laws and procedures, this book applies to all states-the book covers uniform statues that have been adopted in most states. It also provides information on the rules of most major federal benefit programs that provide cash, medical benefits and housing subsidies to people with disabilities. MANAGING A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST: A GUIDE FOR TRUSTEES is an invaluable resource for anyone who is managing a special needs trust.

"Written with both compassion and expertise, this bestselling book provides families with a comprehensive guide to planning for the lifetime needs of a child with disabilities. It presents the Five Factors readers need to consider-family and support, emotional, financial, legal, and government benefits-and how to plan for these factors at every stage of a child's life. The second edition includes updates based on current law, fully revised chapters with a wealth of practical recommendations, and a ten-step, manageable planning process. Online resources include fillable timelines, worksheets, and other planning documents to help families create a secure, full, and happy life for and with their child"--

Finding the right residential situation for an adult child with an intellectual disability doesn't have to be overwhelming. Discover the universal consideration most families should face before putting plans in place. This guide helps you make educated decisions to secure the housing that's best for your child and family.