Extra Special Care: Caring For A Special Needs Child

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We all have needs (we have to save for), but some families have special needs. We’re talking about parents of children requiring special care and attention and that usually means needing more money in the bank. And, it also means knowing what you need to do to ensure you child or loved one will be properly taken care of as you age and beyond.

· Look into securing the best possible education for your child and make sure you take advantage of all he or she is entitled to.

· Look into getting your child his or her own social security number once he or she turns 18, guaranteeing at least one “independent” source of income.

· Look into Medicaid benefits and qualifications giving your growing child his or her own insurance benefits. Also ask your job/employer about policies that cover for both children and adult children with special needs.

· Draw up a third-party supplement needs trust for your child allowing the trustee to allocate funds to someone with special needs without disqualifying them from their Medicaid benefits.

· Contact the Special Needs Alliance. This national, nonprofit organization is geared toward helping persons with disabilities and their families. And, they can put you in touch with an attorney that can assist you in saving and planning for your special need’s child’s future.

Long Island Family Life & Parenting Articles > Extra Special Care: Caring For A Special Needs Child