Special Needs Planning

Special needs planning is the topic that all my friends and fellow parents of children with autism avoid. After all, we already feel as though we live in this bubble in which we have to plan everything else, from the time we wake up, to John's school schedule, to John's therapist appointments, to making sure he remembers to go to the bathroom - and don't forget the medication. Obviously we do what we do out of love for our children and will continue to perform these acts as long as they are needed. But I too wonder from time to time, who will do these things when I am no longer able?

It is one of those thoughts that comes to me and elicits the same initial reaction as when we are one hour from the beach and I think - Did I lock the front door? However, this "planning for the future" thought doesn't go away, as I know it is one of the most important things I will ever do for my child. Even with these panicked thoughts, I was successful at avoiding the dreaded process until the following two resources were placed on my desk for review.

Special Needs Trusts and The Special Needs Planning Guide are must-have resources. Special Needs Trusts guides you through the process of setting up a trust yourself, or you can use the information in the book to research the topic before selecting a lawyer yourself. The Special Needs Planning Guide not only helps with Estate planning, but with all aspects of your child's life when you are present and when you must rely on the help of others to meet the needs of your child.

Knowing that decisions you make now may negatively effect your child as an adult can be very scary. Did you know that setting up a 529 College Savings Plan may make your special needs child ineligible for government benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid? Did you know that your child is also only allowed to have $2,000 in assets before losing those same benefits?

Do you know what your child's future looks like after high school? What about how he will pay for needs that government benefits won't cover? Knowing the law and how trusts can help you provide for your loved one without taking away benefits is a must. I highly recommend both titles to help start the important process of special needs planning.