Protecting and Loving Your Special Needs Child – Something You Didn’t Know

You may know a family with children who have special needs. Maybe it’s your own family. If so, you certainly have an appreciation for the significant hurdles these families face… an inability to access certain places, a lack of empathy from others, difficulty finding places to go on vacation, behavioral issues, communication and education challenges, and even finding other friends, parents and families who understand. Here’s another concern you might not know about. Who takes care of a disabled child when his or her parents pass away? I’ve represented many ageing parents who tell me this is their biggest fear. They ask, “Will my son lose his SSI benefits when he receives my modest gift at my death?” My answer is, “Unfortunately, yes.” When a disabled child receives an inheritance, they become disqualified from government benefits until they “spend down” that inheritance. It's a sad reality, BUT THERE IS A SOLUTION! It’s called a Supplemental Needs Trust, and it protects a disabled child’s benefits while allowing his inheritance to be used for expenses the government doesn’t cover… things like education, recreation, travel, counseling, and more. It’s a wonderful thing! If you or someone you know would like to learn more about how I can help provide peace of mind regarding the future of a disabled child, please contact me at (813) 244-7758 or Ross@RossSpanoLaw.com.

Cheers,

Ross Spano