To live a full life, and attain some measure of security and happiness -- this is what all good parents want for their children, including those with sons and daughters who have disabilities. The difference is that families caring for a child with special needs often require special care to color in the details and make that dream a reality.
If you're the parent or relative of someone with special needs, you've probably wondered what you can do to make sure your loved one is taken care of no matter what. Here's a look at ways to build a better tomorrow for your beloved child with the help and advice of professionals you trust.
Knitting a safety net
If you or someone you know is caring for someone with special needs, you've probably heard about special needs trusts, a common financial and estate planning tool. These third-party trusts are structured so the beneficiary doesn't own the assets directly, allowing continued eligibility for need-based government benefits, such as Medicaid and SSI. The trust can be funded with just about any type of asset: securities, real estate, cash. Some parents leave the trust empty until funded by the proceeds of their life insurance policy; others use it right away to set aside money for their child.
Most parents use these trusts because they feel government benefits aren't enough to give their child an adequate standard of living (in 2017, the basic monthly SSI benefit is $735 for an individual, meant to cover food and shelter). But they realize these same benefits allow their child access to valuable educational classes and outreach services that require Medicaid eligibility. Another reason for a trust: There's no guarantee that government benefits will continue or be able to provide their loved one with a safe, comfortable lifestyle. With a trust and benefits, there are at least two sources of income and more security for a person who may not have a way to earn a living.
That's why the structure of the trust is so important: The funds are designed to supplement, not replace, the government benefits. If funds from the special needs trust are used to pay for the beneficiary's food or shelter or if a beneficiary receives cash outright, that could trigger a reduction or loss of benefits. That's why the trust is best used to pay for goods and services that Medicaid doesn't cover (e.g., a handicap accessible van, dental treatment or special therapies), for travel and cultural experiences, or anything else that would add to your child's quality of life. Any remaining funds can be used as an inheritance for another family member.
A maestro for your plan
Administering these types of trusts can be complex, so choosing the right trustee is crucial. This person will be given absolute control over the distribution of trust assets, be mindful of the beneficiary's disabilities, be assertive about claiming entitlements, and invest the trust funds wisely. On top of all this, the trustee also must keep up with any laws regarding trusts and public benefits.
A stand-in guardian
For most parents, choosing a successor guardian is a crucial but difficult part of the estate planning process. After all, if full guardianship is needed, you are essentially asking someone to fill your shoes, taking care of all social, emotional, physical, educational and medical needs for your loved one when you no longer can. Maybe that's a brother or sister or a favorite cousin; just be sure to choose a trustworthy adult who only has your child's best interests at heart.
Once you've chosen a guardian, be sure to detail your preferences and instructions through an official will, though a court must still confirm the appointment. Parents should also name a backup guardian just in case.
Once you know who will take care of your child, if and when you can't, you'll want to figure out where they'll live. Do you want your child to remain in the home he or she grew up in and have the guardian move in? Or would your child move into the guardian's home? There are also group homes, apartments, planned residential communities and health care facilities for those who need more involved care. And you'll want to explore these options well before they're needed, to determine what's best for your loved one.
Keep in mind that changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your plans. That's why it's best to discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Caring for those who need it most
For most parents of a disabled child, ensuring total care of their loved one is their life's work, perhaps becoming even more important when they're no longer able to provide the care themselves. Working with a financial adviser and other professionals on the bigger financial picture can provide a sense of ease, knowing you've done all you can to protect and provide for someone you love. It just takes some extra planning to bring a colorful vision of a special needs future to life.
Paid advertisement. Copyright 2017, Raymond James Financial Inc. All rights reserved.
Local on 07/23/2017