Safeguarding the Future of Your Child with Special Needs in St. Charles County, MO
Special Trust Legal LLC
Protect your child’s future with a customized special needs plan. Discover how Jennifer A. DiCarlo can help your family prepare for tomorrow with personalized, compassionate legal solutions.
As a parent of a child with special needs, you manage countless day-to-day responsibilities. Ensuring your child’s long-term security may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Special Trust Legal, serving families in St. Charles County, MO, we offer clear, caring legal guidance designed to give you peace of mind. Jennifer A. DiCarlo draws on her extensive background in both special education and law to make the planning process easy and approachable for your family.
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Build a special needs trust that supports your child’s future
Preparing for a Secure Transition to Adulthood
As children with special needs enter adulthood, families in St. Charles County face a new set of challenges. The structured support system provided in schools begins to fade, creating the need for ongoing care and financial stability. By preparing early with a detailed life plan, you can ensure that your child continues to receive the care and support they need as they grow into adulthood.
This early planning allows you to address immediate concerns while laying the foundation for long-term success. Key areas to consider often include housing, employment, and community involvement. A well-structured special needs trust plays a critical role in safeguarding your child’s future without compromising access to public benefits.
Special Needs Trusts: Ensuring Access to Public Benefits While Securing Financial Stability
Special needs trusts provide an essential tool for protecting your loved one’s eligibility for public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), while ensuring their financial security. At Special Trust Legal, we help families in St. Charles County utilize these trusts to cover additional needs and expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for important public programs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides income to individuals with disabilities based on need. If your child receives SSI, it’s vital to plan any inheritances or gifts carefully to avoid disqualification from this program.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides benefits based on the individual’s work history or that of their parent if the disability began in childhood. Although SSDI does not have strict income limits, careful planning is still essential to ensure your child maximizes their benefits.
MO HealthNet – Medicaid Assistance for Disabled Individuals in Missouri:
Medicaid Coverage for Disabled Individuals: MO HealthNet provides vital healthcare coverage for Missourians who are permanently disabled or visually impaired. Special Trust Legal ensures that your loved one remains eligible for these benefits while safeguarding your family’s financial future through proper special needs trust planning.
Medicare and Medicare Savings Program:
Medicare is available to those who have been receiving SSDI benefits for at least 24 months. In addition, Missouri’s Medicare Savings Programs can help cover medical premiums, deductibles, and co-pays for eligible residents. We can help your family navigate these programs while integrating them into your overall financial strategy.
Accessible Housing and Veterans' Disability Benefits:
Accessible Housing and Veterans’ Disability Benefits: Missouri’s Section 811 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PRA) Program offers accessible and affordable housing for low-income individuals with disabilities, aged 18 to 61. For Veterans, VA disability compensation provides monthly, tax-free payments for service-related disabilities, including physical and mental health conditions like PTSD.
Understanding the Different Types of Special Needs Trusts
When planning for your child’s future, it’s essential to understand the options available to you.
First Party Special Needs Trusts
Funded with the beneficiary’s assets, these trusts are often created from settlements or inheritances. They allow your child to maintain access to public benefits while still benefiting from their financial resources.
Third Party Special Needs Trusts
Funded by family members such as parents or grandparents, these trusts offer flexibility in managing and distributing assets while ensuring your child remains eligible for public benefits. In St. Charles County, many families rely on third-party trusts to ensure long-term financial stability for their loved ones.
Selecting a Trustee for Your Child’s Special Needs Trust
The choice of trustee is a crucial aspect of any special needs trust. The trustee is responsible for managing the trust’s assets and ensuring that the funds are used appropriately for your child’s benefit.
Finding the Right Trustee
While it may seem natural to appoint a family member, this role is complex and often better suited to a professional. At Special Trust Legal, we assist St. Charles County families in selecting a trustee who can manage the trust with professionalism and objectivity. Professional trustees offer consistency, minimizing conflicts and ensuring that your child’s best interests remain at the forefront.
Jennifer DiCarlo also supports families through the trustee’s administration process, ensuring that your child receives the necessary care, security, and advocacy throughout their life.
Supporting Your Child’s Unique Needs and Securing Their Future
A well-chosen trustee does more than manage finances; they become an advocate for your child’s rights and needs. At Special Trust Legal, we focus on helping families in St. Charles County select a trustee who takes a holistic approach, working with caregivers, healthcare providers, and social services to ensure your child’s ongoing well-being.
Jennifer DiCarlo works closely with families and trustees to maintain an open dialogue, ensuring that the trust not only provides financial stability but also creates a nurturing environment where your child can thrive.
Exploring ABLE Accounts for Additional Flexibility
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts provide a tax-advantaged savings option for families of individuals with disabilities. These accounts can be used to cover costs such as housing, education, and transportation without affecting eligibility for public benefits. ABLE accounts are an excellent complement to special needs trusts, offering greater flexibility and autonomy for your child.
Start Planning for Your Child’s Secure Future in St. Charles County
Don’t wait for an emergency to begin planning for your child’s future. Special Trust Legal is here to support families in St. Charles County with personalized, thoughtful legal solutions. Jennifer DiCarlo is committed to helping you create a plan that protects your child’s needs, both now and in the years to come.
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