4 Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities
Raising a child is expensive and can cost over a quarter of a million dollars, excluding college. For a child with special needs, that cost can more than triple. If you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s vital to ensure your child will continue to be provided for after you’re gone. 这可能很难想象, 但是要有耐心, 爱, 和毅力, 一项长期战略或许是可以实现的.1,2
想象你死后的生活
Just as every child with special needs is unique, so too are the challenges families face when preparing for the long term. Think about the potential needs of your child. 他们需要日常看护吗? 正在进行的治疗? Will your child live alone or in a group home? 家庭成员可以承担一些照顾吗? Answers to these and other questions can help form the vision of what may need to be done to plan for your child’s care.
准备遗产
Without proper preparation, your child’s lifetime needs can quickly outstrip your funds. 一个资源是政府福利, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, which your child may qualify for depending on their situation. Because such government programs have low-asset thresholds for qualification, you may want to consider whether to make property transfers to your child with special needs.
You should also make sure you have an up-to-date will that reflects your wishes. 考虑建立一个特殊需求的信任, the assets of which can be structured to fund your child’s care without disqualifying them from government assistance. Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. 在进行信托之前, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.
让家人参与进来
All affected family members should be involved in the decision-making process. 如果可能的话, it’s best to have a unified front of surviving family members to care for your child after you’ve passed on.
确定一个照顾者
In order for a caregiver to make financial and health care decisions after your child reaches adulthood, the caregiver must be appointed as a guardian. This can take time, so start setting this in motion as soon as you are able.
要做到这一点, you can write a “Letter of Intent” to the caregiver and family to express your wishes along with information about your child’s care. This isn’t a legal document, but it may help communicate your desires. Store this letter in a safe place, alongside your will.
Outlining an approach for a child with special needs can be complicated, 但你不必一个人去做. Working with 爱d ones and qualified professionals can help you navigate the various facets of this challenge. If we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
1. Investopedia.2023年12月14日
2. AmericanAdvocacyGroup.com, 2024
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