Special Needs Alliance - Kids & Parenting

What’s So Great About Supplement Security Income & Medicare for Adults with Special Needs - Special Needs Alliance

This article is provided by SNA member Elizabeth Gray, CELA or McCandlish & Lillard in Fairfax, VA. Elizabeth focuses her practice on elder law and special needs law; trust, estate and guardianship disputes; and, wills, trusts and estates. This is an overview of the fundamentals of public benefits law, particularly focusing on Social Security’s need-based benefits

Sexual Expression, Health, and Relationships of Persons with Disabilities - Special Needs Alliance

This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Kristen M. Lewis and her colleague Emma H. Barry, both of Harrison, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia. Their firm focuses on special needs, estate and trust administration, guardianship and

Navigating Special Needs Planning in the Post-SECURE Act Landscape - Special Needs Alliance

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, signed into law in December 2019, brought significant changes to retirement planning. For special needs attorneys, these changes have profound implications on how we structure and manage trusts for beneficiaries with disabilities.  Key Changes Introduced by the SECURE Act Prior to the SECURE

Securing the Future: The Essential Role of Special Needs Planning and Financial Planning - Special Needs Alliance

This article is provided by Andrew Hook, CELA of Hook Law Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Andy is a founding member of the Special Needs Alliance, and also is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®). He focuses on elder law, special needs planning, and asset protection.

Brooke Ellison. A Life with Purpose and Resilience - Special Needs Alliance

This article is provided by SNA member Elena Lidrbauch, CELA with Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A. in Sheffield Village, Ohio. Elena focuses her career on issues affecting older persons and individuals with disabilities. Her practice includes Medicaid planning, planning for families with special needs, estate planning, guardianship, estate administration, and trust administration.

Leaving a Residence to a Person with a Disability - Special Needs Alliance

Finding an affordable place to live can feel nearly impossible due to the US housing shortage of millions of homes. Several factors make the challenge worse for people with disabilities. First, affordable housing is a challenge because a person with a disability who relies on means-tested benefits may have limited income and resources.

Life After High School Challenges, Options, and Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Special Needs Alliance

Learn key information about the recent ADA web content accessibility regulations developed by the Department of Justice.

When And How Do I Fund My Special Needs Trust for My Child with Disabilities? - Special Needs Alliance

Several factors should be considered when establishing a third-party special needs trust (TPSNT) for a child with disabilities. When should the TPSNT be funded? How should the TPSNT be funded? Immediate Funding  Concerning the question of when the TPSNT should be funded, for

Unpacking the New Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - Special Needs Alliance

Learn key information about the recent ADA web content accessibility regulations developed by the Department of Justice.

Domenic and Ed’s Law Provides Loan Relief to Parents of Students with Disabilities - Special Needs Alliance

This issue of The Voice® is prepared by SNA Public Policy Advisor Brian Lindberg in conjunction with members of the SNA Public Policy Committee.

Caregiver Rights in the Workplace - Special Needs Alliance

Remaining gainfully employed while balancing responsibilities as a caregiver can be challenging. On the one hand, caregivers may feel the best chance to protect a job or career is to inform employers of their caregiving responsibilities and hope for understanding and empathy.

Training Workers with Disabilities and Educating Employers: Moji Coffee + More - Special Needs Alliance

Five years ago, a group of parents in Winston-Salem, North Carolina created Moji Coffee + More out of a desire to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Locating Inpatient Mental Health Treatment for People with Disabilities - Special Needs Alliance

Learn valuable insights into navigating the complexities of seeking inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with disabilities.

Interstate Moves: Practical Considerations Before It’s Too Late - Special Needs Alliance

Individuals with special needs often consider an interstate move when a transition in their “person” – the one helping with personal and financial decisions – necessitates it.

Tips for Securing Long-Term Nursing Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities - Special Needs Alliance

Learn practical tips to help navigate the process of transitioning your loved one with developmental disabilities to a long-term care facility.

Three Ways to Avoid a Reduction in SSI Benefits Due to In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) - Special Needs Alliance

There are ways to avoid a reduction in Supplemental Security Income due to in-kind support and maintenance for individuals with disabilities. Learn more in this month’s issue of The Voice®.

Powers of Attorney and Your Child with Special Needs - Special Needs Alliance

When your adult child has special needs, they may still need significant assistance in making medical, educational, and legal decisions. A special needs attorney can assist you in determining whether powers of attorney are right for you and your family.

Ten Common Mistakes in Special Needs Planning - Special Needs Alliance

Special needs planning is important for you or your loved one with a disability. This issue of The Voice® outlines 10 common mistakes to avoid in the planning process.

Designing and Implementing Annual Meetings for an Effective Special Needs Estate Plan: Strengthening Family and Professional Collaboration - Special Needs Alliance

Annual meetings offer a structured opportunity to collaborate with all team members involved in your special needs estate plan.

Designing and Implementing Annual Meetings for an Effective Special Needs Estate Plan: Strengthening Family and Professional Collaboration - Special Needs Alliance

Annual meetings offer a structured opportunity to collaborate with all team members involved in your special needs estate plan.

Long-Term Care Planning for Children with Disabilities - Special Needs Alliance

Learn what to consider when embarking on the planning process for long-term care for your child with developmental disabilities.

Special Needs Planning: Ensuring a Smooth Transition - Special Needs Alliance

Planning for the future can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time carefully to plan now, you can ensure a smooth transition later.

Guardianship and the Right to Vote - Special Needs Alliance

If you are considering petitioning for guardianship of a person with disabilities, take steps to maximize the likelihood that the person can retain the right to vote if he or she expresses an interest in doing so.

Divorce and Children with Special Needs - SNA

Life insurance may be required to be purchased by a parent to insure ongoing support, read divorce and children with special needs post today.

A Pooled Special Needs Trust Can Do That! (No, Really) - Special Needs Alliance

What is a pooled special needs trust and how is it different than a first- or third-party trust? We explain and debunk the myths and misconceptions.

5 Things to Know When Your Child with Disabilities Turns 18 | SSA

When your child turns 18 years old, they legally become an adult. This is an important time to consider their financial future – especially if they need…

Special Needs Alliance Announces 2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors - Special Needs Alliance

The Special Needs Alliance (SNA)  has announced its 2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors.

Your Estate Plan Is More Than a Special Needs Trust - Special Needs Alliance

This issue of The Voice® is written by SNA member Meghan Teigen, Esq., of Johnson Teigen, LLC in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The firm specializes in special needs planning, estate planning, elder law, and estate and trust settlement.

How Housing Fair Market Values Affect SSI Payments

It's not uncommon for parents of adult children with special needs to have their children live with them rent-free or charge them a small amount for rent. When that amount is under the fair market value of the area, are the child's SSI payments affected?

Financial Planning for Disabilities and Special Needs: What to Know | Morningstar

Learn about housing, special needs trusts, legal implications, and more.

Planning Tips When Confronted with a Terminal Illness - Special Needs Alliance

These commonsense action steps can be calming and helpful when facing a terminal illness diagnosis

Transferring Guardianship Between States

Transferring a guardianship from one state to another can be complicated, so it is important to seek counsel in both the original state and the new state.

A Short Primer on Trusts and Trust Taxation - Special Needs Alliance

An important component is often neglected in considering the choice of the appropriate type of trust—the taxation of the different trust arrangements.

Tips for Navigating an IEP Meeting: A Guide for Parents & Guardians  - Special Needs Alliance

For parents and guardians, we are providing tips and insights on navigating IEP meetings to advocate for their child with special needs. In addition to general tips, we will also discuss understanding IEP qualifications, common accommodations, and the benefits of having an advocate.

Special Needs Trust (SNT): What It Is And How It Works – Forbes Advisor

A special needs trust (SNT) helps provide financial help to your child after you die without impacting their government benefits. Here's how it works.

Sexual Abuse and Safety of Persons with Disabilities - Special Needs Alliance

The sexual abuse of persons with disabilities remains largely unrecognized, unprosecuted, and unpunished, and there is little awareness of this shocking crime. And, many young persons with disabilities receive minimal, if any, school-based instruction regarding sexual health and safety, including how to recognize sexual abuse, how to minimize the risk of sexual abuse, and how to respond if such abuse should occur.

Chairman's News | Newsroom | The United States Senate Committee on Finance

Wyden and Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Allow Americans with Disabilities to Work Without Worry

Preparing Young Adults with Disabilities for College  - Special Needs Alliance

We are sharing some helpful tips to help allay your nerves and ease the transition process for both you and your child.

Department of Health issues statement on the extreme case of abuse and neglect that resulted in the tragic death of a disabled client

Tax Options for Third-Party Special Needs Trusts - Special Needs Alliance

How to determine the proper tax classifications and options available for third-party special needs trusts (also called supplemental needs trusts, or 3pSNTs).