Why is it a secret?

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2005

Parents often overlook "future planning" for their children with special needs, according to a new study released today that is based upon a survey by MetLife's Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids -- METDESK. The study, "Children with Special Needs and the Planning Gap", concluded that the reason was not a lack of desire to do what is right for their offspring - instead, it's attributed to a special needs planning information shortfall.

    The study, which surveyed parents throughout the country, found:

  • 66% of parents did not know where to find special needs planning information.
  • 84% of parents have not written a letter of intent or information letter for future care providers and Trustees.
  • 88% of parents have not established a Special Needs Trust to preserve their child's eligibility for government benefits.

FUTURE PLANNING Seminars

Brian Rubin, father of Mitch, who has Autism, has been presenting educational seminars for his fellow families of children and adults with special needs since 1982, when his own son with Autism was just one year old.

When you love someone who has special needs, planning for that person's future can be an overwhelming task. Where do you begin? Who has the answers? How do you find an attorney who understands the legal complexities of the special needs' world? Could they possibly understand your emotions, concerns, and fears? That is what the seminar is all about ... family member speaking to family members.

Brian has dedicated his professional career as well as his personal life to serving the needs of his fellow families of children and adults with special needs. He has created this unique educational seminar, offered as a public service to parent groups, sibling groups, schools, special recreation associations, residential programs, day programs, staff training, among other groups and organizations. The seminar topics include:

  • Government Benefits: The who, what, where, when, why and how of SSDI, SSA, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, Residential funding, Supported Employment funding, Regular Work - Sheltered Employment funding, Developmental Training funding, and related matters.
  • Wills and Trusts: Special Needs Trusts, OBRA 93 Pay Back Trusts, Special Provisions in your Wills and Powers of Attorney, choosing future Guardians and Trustees, Short Term and Stand-By Guardian Declarations, Health Surrogate Act Declarations, and related matters.
  • Necessary provisions in order for Divorce Child Support, when there is an adult child with special needs, not to prohibit, reduce, or eliminate Government Benefits.
  • Adult Guardianship and the alternatives.
  • Communication: Letters of Intent, Guidance to Future Trustees, Guardians, Care Providers, etc.
  • Transition Planning: Planning for when the bus stops coming, Work and Day Programs, Residential Options.

For more information or to schedule a presentation to your group or organization, please visit www.SNFP.net, call our office at 1.847.279.7999, or call toll free at 1.866.To.Rubin.