Planning for the Future: Protecting Loved Ones with Disabilities

Thoughtful planning can help preserve government benefits, protect financial resources, and provide long-term security and peace of mind. Presentation Overview Planning for the future of a loved one with a disability requires more than a Will or Trust. Thoughtful planning can help preserve government benefits, protect financial resources, and provide long-term security and peace of mind for the entire family. This presentation is designed for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other family members who want to better understand how estate planning and special needs planning work together to protect a loved one's future. Topics Covered Participants will learn about: • The differences between traditional estate planning and special needs planning • Special Needs Trusts and how they protect government benefits • SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested benefit programs • How gifts, inheritances, life insurance proceeds, and beneficiary designations can unintentionally jeopardize benefits • Why grandparents and other family members should coordinate their estate plans when leaving assets to a loved one with a disability • Planning for a child with disabilities as they reach adulthood • Financial and Health Care Durable Powers of Attorney • Guardianship and less restrictive alternatives • Choosing trustees, guardians, and successor decision-makers • Protecting assets while maintaining eligibility for public benefits • Common planning mistakes and how to avoid them • Practical steps families can take to create a coordinated, long-term plan What You Will Gain By attending, participants will better understand how to: • Protect a loved one's eligibility for government benefits • Preserve assets for future care and quality of life • Coordinate planning among parents, grandparents, and other family members • Avoid common legal and financial pitfalls Doors open at 6 pm, and the presentation begins at 6:30 pm. Location: First Community Arena at SIUE, Circle Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62025, at the Cougar Pavilion on the 2nd floor of First Community Arena's Lukas Annex. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for Q&A. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, and registration is requested, so reserve your seat today!