Financial and Long-Term Planning

SSI- Supplemental Security Income

It provides mostly payments to individuals with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources
It is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) but is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

Who's Eligible?

Adults and children may be eligible for SSI if they have:
- Little or no income, and
- Little or no resources, and
- A disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older

How Do I Apply?

Visiting Apply Online for Disability Benefits website to start the disability application process online
Calling 1-800-772-1213 and making an appointment to apply for SSI

What Are Able Accounts?

Who's Eligible?

You must have a disability that began before age 26 and meet certain other criteria.
You must have been living with your disability for at least one year
You must expect your disability to last for at least one year
You must have a disability that results in marked and severe functional limitations
Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Apply?

Visit the website of the ABLE program in the state where you plan to open the account and complete an online application

A legal arrangement designed to hold assets for a person with disabilities or special needs
SNTs are created to protect assets and ensure that a person with a disability can receive financial support while maintaining eligibility for means-tested public benefits

Individuals with disabilities, under 65 when the trust is established
Who are unable to be entirely self-supporting financially, and who rely on government benefits like Medicaid or SSI

How Do I Apply?

Special needs trusts are complex, so it's crucial to work with an attorney who specializes in this area of law
Meet with the attorney to discuss your specific situation, the needs of the beneficiary, and the type of trust that best suits your circumstances.

A legal arrangement where a court appoints a person (the guardian) to make decisions on behalf of another person (the ward) who is unable to make decisions independently due to a disability
Full Guardianship – The guardian has complete authority over the individual’s personal, financial, and medical decisions
Temporary or Emergency Guardianship – Granted for a short period in urgent situations

Those with intellectual or developmental disabilities who cannot independently manage their personal affairs
Seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments who can no longer safely make decisions for themselves

A family member (parent, sibling, spouse, adult child)
A close friend or trusted individual
A professional guardian (appointed by the state if no suitable family or friends are available)

Applying for guardianship involves a legal process through the court system
Step 1: Assess whether the individual is truly unable to make informed decisions about their personal, medical, or financial affairs
Step 2: Gather necessary documentation
- Collect financial records, living conditions, and any other relevant information that demonstrates the need for guardianship
Step 3: File petition with the court
- The petition typically includes:
  - Reasons for requesting guardianship.
  - Medical documentation proving incapacity.
  - Information about the proposed guardian (background, relationship, qualifications
Step 4: Legally required individuals (such as family members) must be notified of the guardianship petition
- a court-appointed attorney may be assigned to represent the individual’s interests
Step 5: Attend a court hearing