"AT SAFE HARBOR, WE ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE-GUIDING YOU THROUGH BENEFIT RULES, FINANCIAL PLANNING, AND LONG-TERM CARE DECISIONS."
YOU'RE NOT ALONE IN THIS
RAISING A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IS A JOURNEY OF LOVE, STRENGTH, & LIFE LONG COMMITMENT. YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE-WE'RE HERE TO HELP PROTECT YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE & GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND
A STEP-BY-STEP PLANNING APPROACH TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS ARE MET-FOR LIFE.
​PROTECTING YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD'S FUTURE STARTS HERE.
THE 7 MUST HAVES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING
GUARDIANSHIP
When a child with special needs turns 18, parents no longer have automatic legal authority to make decisions, even if their child is severely impaired. Guardianship is a legal tool that allows parents to step in when their adult child cannot manage medical, financial, or safety decisions on their own. Without it - or a legal alternative - families may face delays, court involvement, or even state-appointed guardians if a crisis occurs.
LIFE INSURANCE
Life insurance can be one of the most powerful tools in special needs planning-it creates the funding needed to make sure everything you've planned actually happens, even if you're not here to do it yourself. It's peace of mind in a policy.
LETTER OF INTENT
A Letter of Intent is not a legal document, but it can be one of the most important things you leave behind. It tells future caregivers what your child needs, likes, fears, and hopes for-so even if you're gone, your voice and guidance remain
CARE PLANNING
Care planning means thinking through who will support your child and how, especially if you're ever unable to. At Safe Harbor, we help you prepare not just legally, but emotionally and practically, for that 'what if' moment.
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST
A Special Needs Trust protects a disabled person's benefits by holding money in a separate legal structure. It allows family gifts, inheritances, or life insurance to be used for their care without disqualifying them from programs like SSI or Medi-Cal. The trust pays for extras like travel, therapy, or caregiving - while benefits cover basic needs.
FINANCIAL COORDINATION
Safe Harbor Planning helps ensure all the financial pieces work together: SSI, trusts, insurance, ABLE accounts, and housing. We coordinate these tools into a single plan-so nothing slips through the cracks, and you can breathe easier.
GOVERNMENT BENEFITS
Government benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid are critical lifelines for many individuals with special needs. They help cover basic living and healthcare costs-but they come with strict rules about income and assets. At Safe Harbor, we help families structure their financial plans so these
essential benefits are protected, even as they build a secure future.
Special Needs Planning Acronym Glossary
​
Government Benefits:
SSI – Supplemental Security Income – Needs-based monthly income for disabled individuals with limited income/resources.
SSDI – Social Security Disability Insurance – Disability benefit based on the individual’s or parent’s work history.
DAC – Disabled Adult Child – SSDI benefit for a disabled adult whose parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.
Medi-Cal – California Medicaid Program – Provides health coverage for low-income individuals (called Medicaid in other states).
Medicare – Federal Health Insurance – Available after 24 months of SSDI or turning 65.
​
Income & Work Incentives:
SEIE – Student Earned Income Exclusion – Allows students under 22 to earn income without reducing SSI.
IRWE – Impairment-Related Work Expenses – Deductions for disability-related work expenses that reduce countable income.
PASS – Plan to Achieve Self-Support – Allows income or resources to be set aside for a work goal without affecting SSI.
SGA – Substantial Gainful Activity – Monthly earnings threshold to qualify for SSDI (too much = not disabled).
1619(a) – Continued SSI While Working – Allows SSI to continue even after reaching SGA if Medicaid eligibility is retained.
1619(b) – Continued Medi-Cal Without SSI – Medicaid continues even after losing SSI due to earnings, if under income threshold (~$63,000 in CA for 2025).
​
Planning Tools:
SNT – Special Needs Trust – Protects assets without losing benefits; can be First or Third Party.
ABLE – Achieving a Better Life Experience Account – Tax-free savings account for disability-related expenses, up to $18,000/year.
POA – Power of Attorney – Legal authority to act on someone else’s behalf (financial or healthcare).
LOI – Letter of Intent – Non-legal document sharing personal details and wishes for the child’s care.
TPPT – Third Party Pooled Trust – A pooled version of a third-party SNT, often used for smaller estates.
QIT or Miller Trust – Qualified Income Trust – Used in some states to qualify for Medicaid when income exceeds limits.
​
Housing & Support:
ISM – In-Kind Support and Maintenance – SSI reduction due to free or discounted food/housing.
IHSS – In-Home Supportive Services – California benefit that pays a caregiver (often a parent) for at-home care.
SOC – Share of Cost – Amount a person must pay before Medi-Cal covers expenses, if over income limit.
​
Other Terms:
SSA – Social Security Administration – Administers SSI, SSDI, and related programs.
DDS – Disability Determination Services – Evaluates medical eligibility for disability benefits.
CDSS – California Department of Social Services – Oversees IHSS and related programs.
I/DD – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – Common umbrella term in special needs planning.