How ABLE Accounts Can Work Effectively With Section 8 Housing
This blog post discusses ABLE accounts and how they work with Section 8 Housing to provide affordable and adequate housing for individuals with special needs.
Special Needs Alliance Supports the Proposed Special Needs Trust Improvement Act
Tucson, AZ – July 7, 2022 – The Special Needs Alliance (SNA), the national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law, is proud to have advocated for and supported the Special Needs Trust (SNT) Improvement Act of 2022, which was introduced by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Maggie [...]
Government Benefits for Vets with PTSD
This blog post highlights the devastating impact post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has on many veterans, and the resources available from the government and other organizations to help reduce the pain and suffering brought on by PTSD.
What Happens To My Child’s Social Security Benefit Upon Marriage?
This issue of The Voice® was written by SNA member Heather Conder, and her colleague Evan Barrett, who both work in the law firm of SNA member Charlene Quade, Esq. of C.K. Quade Law, PLLC. The firm was created with the desire to advocate for families and loved ones caring for children and adults with special needs. Located in Boise, Idaho, the practice serves clients in Idaho.
COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know
As more people are exposed to COVID-19, questions about testing availability and effectiveness are creating some confusion for individuals. The best way to prevent and slow the transmission of COVID-19 is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads and take the necessary precautions in the case of exposure and/or a positive test result.
Special Needs Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary as Leading Member Organization Serving and Supporting Special Needs and Elderly Communities
Tucson, AZ – April 27, 2022 – Today, the Special Needs Alliance (SNA), the national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law, celebrated its 20th anniversary since the organization’s founding in 2002. The organization began as a series of discussions between 10 like-minded attorneys in a study group [...]
Regulations Governing ABLE Accounts
This issue of The Voice® was written by Special Needs Alliance member Darcy Chamberlin, Esq. of Chamberlin Riechert Law Group in Oak Brook, Illinois. The firm’s primary areas of practice are Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, Guardianship and Estate Planning.
Assisted Housing Options for Adults With Special Needs
For many families, providing adequate housing for a child with special needs can be fairly straightforward, particularly if the child remains in the primary residence with one or both parents. As the child gets older, there are considerations that need to be dealt with to ensure stability as they enter into adulthood and their aging [...]
SNA Public Policy: Advocating for Adult Children
The Voice® is prepared and distributed by the Special Needs Alliance (SNA). This installment was written by a consortium of members of the SNA’s Public Policy Committee. The Public Policy Committee through our public policy consultant, Brian Lindberg, work with members of Congress and congressional staff to educate and advocate on issues of importance to individuals with disabilities and their families. The Public Policy Committee will author periodic issues of the The Voice® to introduce our readers to the Public Policy efforts the SNA is directly involved in.
Naming a Special Needs Trust as Beneficiary of Your IRA or Retirement Plan
This issue of the Voice® is an update by Lisa Nachmias Davis, CELA, of her original article that appeared in 2014. Ms. Davis is a partner is the New Haven, Connecticut law firm of Davis O’Sullivan & Priest, LLC. She helps clients with estate planning, setting up or administering special needs trusts, qualifying for public benefits and probate and estate settlement; she also represents charities and other nonprofit organizations.
How to Assess What’s Important to Families with Individuals with Special Needs in a New City
Of all the life changes we experience, moving to a new city can undoubtedly be one of the most stressful and challenging situations. For families with a loved one with special needs, moving can add additional hardship, so it’s critical to plan in advance and be proactive in focusing on making the transition as [...]
Setting Up a Small Group Home
When contemplating an ideal environment for a loved one with a disability, a small group home is often considered, given its many benefits. In the majority of instances, families will work to find a placement in an existing group home that is typically owned and operated by a local non-profit service agency. In other [...]
Retaining SSI and Medicaid While Working
This issue of the Voice® was written by Special Needs Alliance member Jane Skelton, Esq., who established the Maine Elder Law Firm in 2001. The firm is based in Bangor and serves clients in all parts of Maine. The firm’s primary areas of practice are Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, and Estate Planning.
Naming a trustee for your loved one
This post was authored by attorney Jefferey Yussman, Esq. of Yussman Special Needs Law & Wyatt Estate Planning, Louisville, KY. Jeff focuses his practice on estate planning, special needs trust planning and administration, Medicaid planning, and qualified settlement funds. In the event that a family needs to appoint a trustee for a loved one’s finances, [...]
2021: Transferring Guardianship Across State Lines
When considering moving to another jurisdiction, a guardian will need to know what will be required by both the original state and the new state. Read more in this issue of The Voice.
Tips on Staying Organized when Managing the Affairs of a Loved One with Disabilities
This post was authored by attorney Bryn Poland, Esq. of Mayo & Poland, PLLC, Baytown, TX. Bryn focuses her practice on estate planning, special needs trust planning and administration, Medicaid planning, and qualified settlement funds. Becoming and staying organized has taken off in popularity, generating millions of social media posts, magazine articles, reality TV series, [...]
Special Needs Alliance Announces
2021 – 2022 Board of Directors
Tucson, AZ – October 11, 2021 – Today, the Special Needs Alliance (SNA) announced its 2021 – 2022 Board of Directors. SNA is a national organization of attorneys in the practice of special needs, disability and elder law. “We’re excited to welcome our new board of directors and look forward to what this line-up [...]
The Value of An Attorney’s Network
Special needs attorneys have many kinds of legal expertise, but they also work with a range of other kinds of professionals to help them meet their clients’ needs. This article explains the roles of these other professionals and how you can find an attorney with a good network of these contacts. An Attorney’s Professional Network [...]
Helping Your Special Needs Child with Employment
This post was authored by attorney Tara Anne Pleat, CELA of Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, Clifton Park, NY. Tara focuses her practice in the areas of special needs estate planning and administration, traditional estate planning and administration, and long-term care planning. She has been a SNA member since 2010. With the pandemic almost in the [...]