The Basics of Special Needs Planning

As ASNP's National Director, the phrase I hear most often from members is "I didn't know ASNP offered that." This webinar will provide a thorough overview of the myriad of membership benefits that ASNP offers. A few of the benefits discussed include using the ASNP marketing options such as the e-newsletter, seminar kit, and brochures to build your special needs practice. If members wish to obtain more training on any aspect of special needs planning, ASNP's webinar archives has a host of webinars available for free, as well as every program from every national meeting ever held. If members wish to train their staff on the basics of special needs planning, a 12-part basics webinar series is part of your membership. There is so much more to cover, including ASNP's listserv and consumer website listing. Read Less

The best-drafted special needs trust in the world does no good if the trustee (the person managing the trust) does not know what he or she is doing. A poorly performing trustee can cause loss of essential public benefits, loss of assets, and subject the trustee to personal liability. This seminar will discuss some of the top ways an SNT trustee can properly manage the trust to best enhance the quality of life of a person with a disability. Read Less

This seminar will cover the different planning tools available to the professional when planning for assets owned by the person with a disability. While special needs trusts are a primary planning tool, the professional has other options available to them. This can include using ABLE accounts, spending down assets, purchasing exempt assets, or other transfers. The Affordable Health Care Act also adds an additional planning opportunity. The webinar will cover the basics of planning options along with the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. Read Less

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the primary financial benefits available to persons with disabilities. SSI is a federal program and run under federal rules. This seminar will provide an overview of SSI's disability and financial requirements, somewhat unusual income definitions, and other program peculiarities. The professional will come away with a good understanding of the basics of this vitally important program. Read Less

Medicaid and Medicare are government benefit health care programs generally available to persons with disabilities. Although these two benefits are commonly mistaken for one another, the eligibility for the two programs could not be more different. A special needs planner must properly understand how these benefit programs work for persons with disabilities. This seminar will provide the professional with a basic understanding of the eligibility requirements, required (and optional) services, and other constraints of the two programs. Read Less

Estate planning for a family member with special needs is one of the best services a special needs planner can provide. An advanced plan will provide comfort to families that their loved one is protected. A complete estate plan will address some of the biggest concerns that people have when protecting a loved one with special needs. The components include a proper financial plan, protection from predators, required advocacy, and proper estate preservation. This seminar will provide an overview of the information needed to prepare a plan, suggestions on the proper way to implement the plan, and an introduction to the third-party special needs trust. Read Less