Jacob’s Ladder to a Higher Quality of Life: Special Needs Financial Planning for Practitioners and Caregivers

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech Estate Planning & Community Property Journal

Abstract

Provides guidance for caregivers and practitioners that are “supporting independence and promoting involvement in all aspects of society” for loved ones and clients with special needs using Jacob, a hypothetical child growing up with Down syndrome, living in Anytown, USA. This article addresses financial, strategic, and educational benefits available to Jacob as he becomes an adult, and examines several types of special needs trusts and illustrates how these trusts can provide a benefit without endangering government entitlements. Stebbins concludes by providing practical strategies that caregivers and practitioners can use to ensure that Jacob, now grown, continues to enjoy a high quality of life even after his parents pass away.

Description

Keywords

Special needs, Financial planning, strategy, Education benefits, Medicare, Social security, Disability insurance, Special needs trusts

Citation

Richard Stebbins, Jacob’s Ladder to a Higher Quality of Life: Special Needs Financial Planning for Practitioners and Caregivers, 4 Est. Plan. & Cmty. Prop. L. J. 305 (2012).