A ward of the state is a person under the government’s protection. Children and adults with cognitive disabilities can become wards of the state when they lack a competent parent…
Many parents and families planning for the care of their loved one with special needs will consider setting up a special needs trust. (Special needs trusts are also often referred to…
In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it would award nearly $25 million to help fund housing for people with disabilties. Roughly 100 public…
Funds held in a properly drafted special needs trust (SNT) will not affect a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid recipient’s benefits. However, funds disbursed in a manner that violates…
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries must comply with very stringent income and asset rules to receive benefits. One such rule is the resource allowance limit: A single SSI beneficiary may have only…
The Senate and House have cleared the passage of a year-end $1.7 trillion appropriations bill that will affect people with disabilities on several fronts. The bill, which runs more than…
The guardianship of an adult, in which a judge appoints an individual to make choices for a person over 18, is appropriate when the adult lacks capacity. Capacity is a…
Serving as a trustee of a special needs trust can be a time-consuming and complicated job, which is why trustees are almost always entitled to compensation for their services. Payment…
Special needs planning and estate planning can be difficult if you don’t have a professional to help out. Sometimes a parent or relative of a person with special needs will…
Many families of individuals with special needs want to foster their loved ones’ independence. Some may find that their loved one is happiest with a personal living space, as independent…
