A well intentioned grandparent or parent who wants to leave money or property to a loved one with autism must plan carefully, otherwise, they could jeopardize the individual with disability’s ability to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal benefits. By setting up a “special needs trust” in a will, some of these problems can be avoided. Owning a house, a car, furnishings, and normal personal effects does not affect eligibility for SSI or Medi-Cal. However, if a person was give other assets, causing them to have over $2,000 in cash or assets they could be disqualified from receiving SSI or Medi-Cal.
A way around losing eligibility for SSI or Medi-Cal is to create what’s called a special needs trust. Then, instead of leaving property directly to your loved one, you leave it to the special needs trust.
Local Resources
Anselmo Investment Management
31493 Rancho Pueblo Rd. Suite 205, Temecula
1 (877)203-5720
www.investwithaim.com
Services cover all areas of financial management including special needs trusts. Specializes in helping clients develop a comprehensive, cohesive financial plan that fits their unique needs and enables them to meet both short- and long-term objectives.
Dignity Group – Jennings & Associates
1055 N Euclid Ave, Ontario
(909) 986- 2420
www.dignitygroup.org/
Non-profit organization that provides families with information on entitlement programs, proper preparation of wills and trusts, conservatorships, powers of attorney, and life care plans. Fees for this service is done on a donation basis.
The Elder & Disability Law Firm
(909) 888-7100
104 E. Olive Ave, Ste 103, Redlands, CA
www.california-elder-law.com
Provides special needs estate planning and represents clients who have issues with an SSI benefit being discontinued.
Law Offices of Robert J. Galliano
43521 Ridge Park Drive #201, Temecula
(951) 506-3150
www.gallianolaw.com
A specialized law firm devoted to assisting clients with estate, tax and elder planning (for the young and the young at heart). The firm has a practice which assists clients in dealing with the myriad of problems that occur upon incapacity or death.
Law Offices of Elizabeth McCoy
31493 Rancho Pueblo Road, Suite 205, Temecula
(760) 723-8906
www.ca-specialneedstrusts.com
Special Needs Trusts, Comprehensive Estate Planning for families with autism and other disabilities.
Jeffery C. Nickerson, Attorney at Law
29970 Technology Drive, Suite 209, Murrieta
(951)200-4921
www.jeffreycnickersonlaw.com
Assists individuals and families with estate planning & administration including: wills, trusts, Special needs planning, Public benefits planning, Planning for minors, Medi-Cal planning, Trust Administration, Special Needs Trust Administration, Probate Administration, Avoiding Probate and asset protection.
Law Office of Christopher A. Poulos
(626) 960-9373
101 N. Orange Ave., Suite C, West Covina
capoulos.com
Practice focuses on the rights of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. He assists families in creating supported living arrangements, Special Needs Trusts, Conservatorships, Limited Conservatorships, SSI, estate planning, administrative hearings against Regional Center, advising on the ABLE accounts and more.
Dennis M. Sandoval, A Professional Law Corp.
3233 Arlington Avenue Suite 105, Riverside
(951) 787-7711
www.life-care-planning.com
Dennis M. Sandoval, A Professional Law Corporation, offers estate planning, elder law and tax law services. He is a Trust & Probate Law Specialist, Certified Elder Law Attorney and Accredited Estate Planner.
Sheela Stark Law Group, APC
9431 Haven Avenue, Suite 232, Rancho Cucamonga
1662 Plum Lane, Redlands
sheela@ranchostarklaw.com
(909) 767-3890
https://lawyerstark.com/
Ms. Stark has been part of the special needs field in for over 20 years. Having a special needs brother gives Ms. Stark insight into your life because she has lived it herself. Services include estate planning, special needs trust, conservatorship, IEPs and Due Process.
Special Needs Alliance
(877) 572-8472
www.specialneedsalliance.org/
National, non-profit organization that can determine availability of state and federal benefits, protect public benefits eligibility, establish Special Needs Trusts, and manage Trust benefits. Services and assistance includes wills, estate planning, conservatorship, guardianship, and more.
This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.
All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion
