Defining Special Needs Planning is tricky; because there is no set definition of what this actually entails.  There are a number of factors and issues at play here.  The way I determine whether special needs planning is needed or not is based on this statement.  “Special Needs Planning” is centered around an individual’s ability to be financially self-sufficient.

According to the United States Social Security Administration, a disability is the inability to perform any substantial gainful activity ($1,620 per month in 2025) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months

Above is the government’s definition of the word disability and is what qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on.  SSDI is broken down into two parts.  Money and time.  Your ability to earn income, and the length of time you will be unable to earn income is what determines your eligibility.

Please note, this definition is about your ability to earn income, not your ability to work in your primary profession.  There is a difference.

Unlike the government’s definition of the word “disability,” the context that we are using here does not have a time aspect associated with it.  Planning needs to take into account an individual’s entire lifetime, allowing for the changes that will arise within his or her life span.

Depending on the age of you child, we may need to discuss what needs to happen if something were to happen to mom and dad while the children are growing up.  Who would get custody of your children?  What financial and caregiving concerns can that create?

The big level of planning is the “when” planning.  What is going to happen when something happens to both parents?

This is an outline of what you want for your child after you’ve passed away.

• Who will provide care?
• Where will your loved
  one live?
• Education
• Employment
• Social/Recreational
• Religion/Spiritual
• Medical Care
• Behavioral
• Advocate/Guardian
• Trusts/Trustees
• This is an outline for
  the letter of intent

Letter of intent

• A letter to the future caregiver providing all of the information needed to continue the same level of care for your child
• Failure to leave instructions will only ensure things will fall apart faster than anyone can figure out how to help
• You are the expert on your child, this document transfers that expertise to someone that will need it
• Not a legal document

We are here to help you navigate all of it. An Inclusive Future is your one source to achieve better outcomes for the many pathways families of children and adults with special needs are navigating now and in the future.