Financial and Long-Term Planning
SSI- Supplemental Security Income
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It provides mostly payments to individuals with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources
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It is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) but is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
Who's Eligible?
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Adults and children may be eligible for SSI if they have:
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Little or no income, and ​
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Little or no resources, and
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A disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older
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How Do I Apply?
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Visiting Apply Online for Disability Benefits website to start the disability application process online
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Calling 1-800-772-1213 and making an appointment to apply for SSI
What Are Able Accounts?
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Tax-advantaged savings accounts that can fund disability expenses
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Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013
Who's Eligible?
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You must have a disability that began before age 26 and meet certain other criteria.
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You must have been living with your disability for at least one year
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You must expect your disability to last for at least one year
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You must have a disability that results in marked and severe functional limitations
How Do I Apply?
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Visit the website of the ABLE program in the state where you plan to open the account and complete an online application
Able Accounts
Special Needs Trust
What is a Special Needs Trust?
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​A legal arrangement designed to hold assets for a person with disabilities or special needs
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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
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Individuals with disabilities, under 65 when the trust is established
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Who are unable to be entirely self-supporting financially, and who rely on government benefits like Medicaid or SSI
How Do I Apply?
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Special needs trusts are complex, so it's crucial to work with an attorney who specializes in this area of law
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Meet with the attorney to discuss your specific situation, the needs of the beneficiary, and the type of trust that best suits your circumstances.
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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
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Full Guardianship – The guardian has complete authority over the individual’s personal, financial, and medical decisions
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Temporary or Emergency Guardianship – Granted for a short period in urgent situations
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Those with intellectual or developmental disabilities who cannot independently manage their personal affairs
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Seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments who can no longer safely make decisions for themselves
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A family member (parent, sibling, spouse, adult child)
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A close friend or trusted individual
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A professional guardian (appointed by the state if no suitable family or friends are available)
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How Do I Apply?
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Applying for guardianship involves a legal process through the court system
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Step 1: Assess whether the individual is truly unable to make informed decisions about their personal, medical, or financial affairs
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Step 2: Gather necessary documentation
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Collect financial records, living conditions, and any other relevant information that demonstrates the need for guardianship
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Step 3: File petition with the court
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The petition typically includes:
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Reasons for requesting guardianship.
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Medical documentation proving incapacity.
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Information about the proposed guardian (background, relationship, qualifications
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Step 4: Legally required individuals (such as family members) must be notified of the guardianship petition
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a court-appointed attorney may be assigned to represent the individual’s interests
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Step 5: Attend a court hearing