Compassionate Long Island Special Needs Planning Attorney Ready to Help You

Special needs planning focuses on creating strategies to support families with individuals who have disabilities. Whether your loved one has Autism, Down Syndrome, or another developmental condition, proper planning ensures they receive the care and resources they need. Andrew M. Lamkin is a dedicated Long Island special needs planning attorney at the Law Office of Andrew M. Lamkin, P.C. He works closely with families to develop estate plans that safeguard their loved ones’ futures.

Whether creating a special needs trust or addressing other legal concerns, our team is here to help. Contact our special needs trust lawyer today to learn how we can assist your family.

Supplemental Needs Trusts

A supplemental needs trust is created with the intent of supplementing a disabled person’s income. The assets in the trust can pay for wants and needs not covered by government benefits. If there are proceeds from a personal injury lawsuit or a disabled individual receives an inheritance, the special needs trust is a tool that protects the money for the lifetime of the disabled individual while allowing that individual to maintain their access to Medicaid. Special needs trusts can be established in many different ways. The most suitable method of establishing a supplemental needs trust is dictated by the circumstances of each client.

Consulting with a Long Island special needs planning attorney can help you safeguard your loved one’s financial future. A special needs trust attorney can also help determine the right trust structure to meet your family’s unique needs. From protecting assets to navigating eligibility for benefits, personalized legal guidance is essential. Work with an attorney who understands the intricacies of special needs planning to ensure your loved one’s well-being.

Financial and Medical Decisions

Planning for a loved one with a disability requires care and foresight to ensure you meet their future needs. A supplemental needs trust offers a powerful tool for protecting financial resources while maintaining access to vital benefits like Medicaid. These trusts enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by covering expenses that government assistance programs may not provide, such as hobbies, education, or specialized care.

A special needs trust attorney guides you through every step of this process. They can explain how a trust works, who manages it, and how it fits into a larger estate plan. The right plan safeguards assets while securing essential services and opportunities for the person you care about. Whether you’re planning for a child, sibling, or another family member, this guidance ensures you do not overlook any detail.

Proper planning lets you focus on what matters most—providing a stable and fulfilling life for someone you care deeply about. Contact a Long Island special needs planning lawyer to discuss how to protect your family’s future and establish the right trust today.

Government Programs

Individuals with disabilities in New York often rely on government programs to cover medical expenses and daily living costs. Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability (SSD) are the primary options available. Each program has distinct eligibility requirements and benefits, making it essential to understand how they function and who qualifies.

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage Under Medicaid

Long Island special needs planning lawyer

Medicaid provides vital healthcare coverage, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and long-term care. This program is available to individuals who meet strict income and asset limits. For families with loved ones who have disabilities, maintaining Medicaid eligibility requires careful financial planning. A Long Island special needs planning lawyer can help structure assets to preserve access to these essential services. Medicaid is more than just medical insurance; it often covers services not typically included in private health plans.

Monthly Financial Support with SSI

SSI offers monthly payments to those who are elderly, blind, or living with a disability. Like Medicaid, SSI has stringent financial limits, meaning recipients cannot exceed a certain threshold of assets or income. These rules ensure assistance reaches those who need it most. However, exceeding these limits could result in disqualification, making financial planning essential.

Understanding SSI rules can help families establish a trust that protects assets while maintaining SSI eligibility. This type of trust ensures that additional funds are available for expenses not covered by government benefits without jeopardizing essential support.

Support Based on Work History with SSD Benefits

SSD provides monthly benefits to individuals unable to work due to a disabling condition. Unlike Medicaid and SSI, SSD eligibility depends on your work history and the credits earned through Social Security contributions. This program has no asset limits, making it a valuable resource for individuals who have previously worked but are now unable to maintain employment.

To qualify for SSD, applicants must demonstrate that their condition prevents them from performing substantial work.

We also handle other types of cases, including:

Call a Long Island special needs lawyer or contact me online to schedule an appointment. I am available to meet with you at your home or my office.