Special Needs Lawyers in San Antonio, TX: We Work Hard to Protect and Provide for Those with Disabilities

Caring for family members who have disabilities or special needs can be very life fulfilling but it can also be isolating and overwhelming at times. It’s important for parents of disabled children and other family members looking after their loved ones to understand that there are services and programs available that could greatly benefit those with a disability, both in the here and now and in the future, when we are no longer here with them.

Although some of these conversations aren’t always pleasant, they tend to grant parents a newfound sense of peace that their loved ones will be properly cared for over the entirety of their life.

At Shields Law Firm, we respect your endless drive to stand up for your loved ones and their well-being. Let us help you tackle the uncomfortable moments and prepare you as best as we can for the future by putting a plan in place that is tailored to your family’s needs.

What Programs Could Help Children with Special Needs?

You may have heard of an ARD Process (also known as Individualized Education Program, or IEP). This is a meeting that occurs between educators and you to discuss how you can all work together to ensure the best interest of your child while they pursue an education.

Government benefits can also be discussed and explored to make sure your child has all of the opportunities available to them. A Section 504 Plan can also be put in place to ensure your child is productively learning alongside the rest of the class.

How is Eligibility Determined for Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program which can provide a small amount of ‘supplemental’ funds to a disabled person with little money and an estate with few assets.

A person may be eligible for SSI if they are age 65+ or have certain qualifying disabilities. They must also make only a certain amount of money. But those who qualify for SSI are automatically enrolled in Medicaid.

What Other Government Benefits Could Help Disabled Individuals?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was first implemented in 1990. It was put in place to defend those with special needs against discrimination in the workplace and in day-to-day life. With these regulations and laws come increased opportunities for your loved one to thrive in their environment.

There are multiple ways in which your loved one can obtain assistance through government programs like SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.

Contact a special needs planning attorney to discuss which programs may benefit your family the most.

How Could an Estate Plan or Special Needs Trust Help?

Our Texas law firm has years of experience providing clients with legal services pertaining to looking after a person with special needs or disability. While there are programs available, one of the most assured ways to help children and other family members with special needs is to name them as a beneficiary in your estate plan.

Our practice provides estate planning measures such as:

• Special needs trusts allow you to provide assets, property, and money to your named beneficiary. After death, the special needs trust does not enter probate court, so the trustee is responsible for the further disbursement of funds and assets to any beneficiary named in the trust.
• A Last Will and Testament establishes your wishes for your estate after your death, including what you intend to leave to your child and who else may inherit assets.
• Guardianship can be determined by you with legal documents, naming a person you trust to look after your children if you are gone or incapacitated.
• Gifts can be given to a child or heir as a means of avoiding certain taxes and naming the beneficiary as the owner of the property.

Schedule a Consultation

The Shields Law Firm assists clients with all of their special needs planning, including special needs trusts and applying for government benefits.

To discuss your legal options, contact our San Antonio office today at (210) 796-1122.