If you’re blessed with children, one of your top priorities is likely to help ensure their well-being. This priority can take on an added dimension if you have a child who is differently abled. You want to help ensure that all your children will be fine even if you’re no longer around to provide and care for them.
Your estate can be an invaluable tool in guaranteeing your differently-abled child’s financial security and quality of life as they age. Furthermore, estate planning can help you better manage the unique set of challenges and responsibilities that come with caring for a child with a disability.
A Special Needs Trust (SNT)
As the name suggests, an SNT should be a must-have if you’re caring for a child with a disability. This legal tool can help ensure you don’t unintentionally disqualify your child for government benefits. This way, they can access Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid for their basic care. You can then supplement the government sponsorship to boost your child’s quality of life.
Without an SNT, your child may easily be perceived to be too well-off, which can jeopardize their eligibility for the benefits they are entitled to. By placing your child’s inheritance in a Special Needs Trust, they can fall within the strict asset limits. This way, you can rest easy knowing they will receive the government’s vital support.
Guardianship
Did you know that your estate plan can have provisions that extend beyond finances? This is quite pertinent if you have a child who is differently abled. When you’re thinking about who will care for your child in your absence, estate planning comes into play.
In your will, you can appoint a guardian who you can trust to fulfil your child’s day-to-day needs when you’re gone. You can choose a friend you trust or a close family member who is close to your child to be the guardian. You want someone who will be available to help ensure your child doesn’t feel stranded in their times of need.
If you have a child with a disability, you can feel pressure to help ensure they have the best quality of life you can help them achieve. Thankfully, your estate plan can relieve some of this pressure with pertinent provisions. With proper legal guidance, you can work to guarantee that each provision caters to your child’s unique needs.