Setting up a Third Party-Special Needs trust as part of estate planning is essential if the individual with a disability is or may be eligible for means-tested government benefits. A properly set up Third Party Trust ensures that the funds left to the individual, whether through gift or inheritance, are not considered countable assets when applying for means tested benefits

In 2014 the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act was passed. The ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities. The individual with the disability is the account owner and anyone can contribute to the account – the account beneficiary, family, friends, even a Special Needs Trust.

A special needs trust is a written legal agreement that enables an individual with a disability to qualify or remain qualified for means tested government benefits, such as medicaid, SSI or even medicaid waivers.

CPF Executive Director Rachel Byrne and Peter Trojic, professional dancer with the Heidi Latski dance Company in New York City, discuss dance and disability.

CPF Executive Director Rachel Byrne and Jocelyn Cohen, Vice President of Communications and Engagement at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation discuss collaboration in research.