If you have a loved one with special needs, planning for their future is one of the most important things you can do. Special needs planning ensures that your loved one can receive the care and support they need without risking their eligibility for essential government benefits. For families in Alameda County and the Bay Area, understanding the options available and knowing how to navigate California’s complex legal landscape is crucial. In this post, we’ll cover what special needs planning entails, why it’s important, and how to get started.

Caring for a loved one with special needs involves planning for their future. For many Alameda families, this includes ensuring that their loved one can continue to receive essential government benefits without disruption. A third-party special needs trust (also known as a testamentary special needs trust) can help provide for your loved one without jeopardizing their eligibility for programs like SSI and Medi-Cal. In this blog post, we’ll explain how these trusts work and why they’re an essential tool for families with special needs members.