Plan with care for the lifelong needs of your loved one.

The Special Needs Information Hub

Supporting a loved one with special needs involves thoughtful planning around finances, caregiving, benefits, and long-term legal protections.

Child's hands holding a heart on white background with text space. World autism awareness day.

Table of Contents

Key Things To Know

Planning for a loved one with special needs requires balancing care, independence, and long-term financial and legal protections—while preserving access to essential benefits.

  • A Special Needs Trust (SNT) helps preserve eligibility for public benefits: Assets placed in an SNT don’t count against income or resource limits for programs like SSI and Medicaid.
  • There are different types of trusts for different situations: First-party trusts use the individual's own assets (often from a settlement or inheritance), while third-party trusts are funded by parents or loved ones.
  • ABLE accounts are another planning tool: These tax-advantaged savings accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without losing benefits.
  • Guardianship or alternatives may be needed in adulthood: When a person with special needs turns 18, parents may need to pursue guardianship or consider less restrictive options like supported decision-making or power of attorney.
  • A letter of intent can guide future caregivers: While not a legal document, this personalized letter helps explain your loved one’s routines, needs, preferences, and personality.
  • Public benefits are a key part of many care plans: SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state waiver programs can help cover health care, housing, employment support, and daily living needs.
  • Planning should include future housing and caregiving arrangements: Whether the goal is independent living, group housing, or co-residency, it’s important to start exploring options early.
  • Sibling involvement is important to discuss: Clear communication about responsibilities, expectations, and available resources can help prepare for the future.
  • Planning should be coordinated with your broader estate plan: A will, life insurance, and beneficiary designations should align with your special needs plan to avoid accidental disqualification from benefits.

Resources

Buried in Work offers a variety of checklists, guides, and other resources. Below are some of the most popular ones related to this information hub.

Checklists

How To Plan For Special Needs Dependents

Get The Checklist

Listen Up!

Real conversations about life, legacy, and planning for the future.

Listen To The Podcast

Find A Service Provider Near You

Need professional assistance? Use our directories to find trusted service providers near you who specialize in estate planning, end-of-life organization, and related services.

Image of the Directories Page

Search Our Directories

With dozens of service provider directories, you can connect with service professionals near you.

Articles

Special Needs Trust

9 Things You Need to Know About Special Needs Trusts

Frequently Asked Questions

A Special Needs Trust allows you to set aside funds for a person with a disability without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like SSI or Medicaid.

A first-party SNT uses the beneficiary’s own money (like from a settlement), and any remaining funds may go to the government after death. A third-party SNT is funded by others (like parents or grandparents) and does not have a government payback requirement.

An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities. It allows them to save for qualified expenses—like education, housing, and healthcare—without impacting benefits eligibility.

You should avoid leaving assets directly to someone who receives needs-based benefits. Instead, leave assets to a Special Needs Trust to protect both the inheritance and their benefits.

They become a legal adult. You may need to explore guardianship, conservatorship, or alternatives like supported decision-making or power of attorney depending on their capacity and independence.

A Letter of Intent is not legally binding, but it provides future caregivers and trustees with detailed personal guidance about your loved one’s needs, routines, likes, dislikes, and goals.

Yes, and it’s highly encouraged. Discussing roles, expectations, and the availability of resources can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure continuity of care.

Begin by gathering information about current benefits, future care goals, and financial resources. Then consult an attorney or advisor with experience in special needs planning to create or update your plan.

Common benefits include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and state-specific waiver programs for long-term services and supports.

No. Planning is valuable for individuals with a wide range of needs. Whether the goal is lifelong care or supported independence, a strong plan protects both the person and their resources.

Information Hub Feedback & Suggestions

Do you have a question, suggestion, or idea on how to improve this Information Hub? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.