TakeawaysIn mid-July 2026, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) published a notice about long-standing federal guidance on disability rights. Many states and courts have relied on this guidance for more than a decade, but the DOJ now says it is not enforceable.The notice focuses on the DOJ’s 2011 Statement of the Department of Justice on Enforcement of the Integration Mandate of Title II of the Read More
More Disabled Veterans Eligible for Tax-Free ABLE Accounts
TakeawaysAchieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts offer tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified disability expenses such as housing and health care. As of January 1, 2026, more veterans can qualify for ABLE accounts because the disability onset age has increased from 26 to 46. Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account generally won’t count toward the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Read More
How Assistive Technology Benefits Students With Disabilities
For students with disabilities, assistive technology can make the difference between merely attending school and truly participating in it. A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) looks at how schools are providing these tools and where students with disabilities may still be falling through the cracks.The report, titled Students With Disabilities: Assistive Technology Challenges and Read More
Two Common Special Needs Trust Mistakes Families Make
TakeawaysSpecial needs trusts (SNTs) help people with disabilities cover expenses while remaining eligible for needs-based government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Common mistakes, like giving the beneficiary cash gifts or directly paying for their housing costs, may lead to a reduction or loss of their SSI and Medicaid benefits.When managed correctly, a special needs trust Read More
11 Common Special Needs Planning Acronyms
Navigating the world of disability benefits and supports can feel overwhelming, especially with all the acronyms involved. Understanding these acronyms can make planning for things like education, financial support, and care go more smoothly.Here are 11 common acronyms you may encounter in special needs planning, from financial programs like SSI and SSDI to care-related terms such as HCBS, so you know what Read More
Special Needs Resources Online: A Family Guide
TakeawaysOnline tools can help you spot developmental delays early and know when to ask for a screening. After a diagnosis, early intervention programs can connect young children to services and supports. During the school year, parent centers and reputable nonprofits can help you understand special education rights and prepare for school meetings. As your child approaches adulthood, planning resources Read More
Who Are the Key Players in Special Needs Planning?
TakeawaysSpecial needs planning requires a team of various professionals, such as attorneys, financial planners, trustees, and care managers. These experts help families address the legal, financial, and daily care needs of people with disabilities. This includes setting up special needs trusts, securing legal guardianship, and coordinating access to services.A quarter of households in the United Read More
What Is an ABLE Account? A Practical Overview
Families caring for a loved one with a disability often face a difficult problem: how to save money for the future without jeopardizing important government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.An ABLE account can help solve this problem.ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. They allow people with disabilities and Read More
Understanding Special Needs Trusts: A Practical Overview
Planning for the future is never simple, but it can feel especially overwhelming when a loved one has a disability. Families often worry about how to provide long-term financial support without jeopardizing access to essential public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. This is where Special Needs Trusts (often called “SNTs”) play a critical role. A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool Read More
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