A legal arrangement that allows individuals with disabilities to receive financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Special Needs Trust
A tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities that allows them to save without affecting means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
ABLE Account
A legal process in which a court appoints an individual (guardian) to make personal, medical, and financial decisions for an individual deemed incapable of doing so themselves.
Guardianship
A non-binding document created by parents or caregivers outlining care instructions, financial arrangements, and personal preferences for a dependent with special needs.
Letter of Intent
State-specific programs that allow individuals with disabilities to receive home and community-based services instead of institutional care while maintaining Medicaid eligibility.
Medicaid Waivers
A federal income supplement program providing financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited income and resources.
Supplemental Security Income
A federal program that provides monthly benefits to individuals with disabilities based on their work history and contributions to Social Security.
Social Security Disability Insurance
A customized plan outlining special education services and accommodations for a child with disabilities in a public school setting, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Individualized Education Program
A type of special needs trust managed by a non-profit organization, where funds from multiple beneficiaries are pooled for investment purposes but still used for individual needs.
Pooled Trust
Temporary relief care provided to caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions, allowing them time to rest or attend to other responsibilities.
Respite Care