Special Needs Certified Financial Planning® Blog
February 16, 2026
Discover how a Special Needs Trust can shield your Medicaid benefits while allowing for a high quality of life through expert financial planning.
February 9, 2026
Learn how the 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 will impact your SSI and SSDI benefits, Medicare premiums, and overall financial plan for the new year.
February 2, 2026
Learn how new SSI rule proposals regarding public assistance households might cut your checks and how a Special Needs CFP® helps you stay ahead.
January 26, 2026
Learn how a Special Needs CFP® can help you move RMD funds into an ABLE account safely to protect your essential government benefits and future.
January 19, 2026
Exploring the intersection of caregiver well-being and special needs planning, offering strategies to manage stress while securing a child's future.
January 12, 2026
This guide details how third-party SNTs can own and benefit from life insurance, ensuring long-term funding while protecting government benefits.
January 5, 2026
This guide provides a strategic overview of the Social Security disability application process, highlighting the tools and documentation necessary for a successful claim
December 29, 2025
This article outlines the legal and fiduciary requirements for using Special Needs Trust funds to pay for professional planning advice and expert guidance
December 22, 2025
This guide explores the transformative ABLE Act updates from 2025 to 2027, covering expanded eligibility, higher limits, and new tax saving strategies.
December 15, 2025
The SSA is pushing for digital payments, but paper checks aren't gone yet. Learn about the 2025 mandate and how to secure your electronic benefits.
December 8, 2025
A Special Needs Trust is too important for DIY templates. Learn why legal expertise is vital to protect benefits and ensure long-term security.
December 1, 2025
Learn how autism is legally classified as a disability and why meeting SSA functional criteria is essential for securing your family's financial future.
November 24, 2025
Blended families face unique hurdles when planning for a child's disability. Learn how to balance inheritance fairness and protect essential benefits.
November 17, 2025
If health issues force you to stop working, you don't have to start over. Learn how Expedited Reinstatement can quickly restore your SSDI benefits.
November 10, 2025
The federal government's plan for a new autism registry raises privacy concerns. Explore the debate over data collection and its impact on families.
November 3, 2025
Plan for your child's future before a crisis occurs. Learn how to evaluate care models, ask critical questions, and secure lifetime financial support.
October 20, 2025
Federal budget cuts have eliminated a vital student transition program. Learn how to bridge this gap and secure your child's path to independence.
October 13, 2025
A federal lawsuit challenges the SSA’s service barriers. Learn how staffing cuts impact benefits and why a resilient financial plan is now essential.
October 6, 2025
Insurance denials can drain a family's finances. This guide explains how to appeal rejections, prove medical necessity, and protect your loved ones.
September 29, 2025
As federal funding for special education faces potential cuts, families must prepare. This guide explores the impact on IEPs and long-term planning.
September 22, 2025
The blog explores key 2026 changes under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act—extending ABLE account access to people with later-onset disabilities, empowering greater financial inclusion
September 11, 2025
Learn how long it takes to start receiving SSDI benefits, including the five-month wait, approval timelines, and fast-track options.
September 4, 2025
Discover key tax filing tips for individuals with disabilities, from deductions to trust rules, to maximize savings and protect benefits.
August 28, 2025
Learn how to properly report income for SSI benefits, avoid costly mistakes, and protect eligibility with expert financial guidance.
August 21, 2025
Explore financial and estate planning strategies to help parents secure long-term support for children with mental health challenges.
June 12, 2025
Debunking the central Medicaid myth: Medicaid isn’t just for the destitute—it supports millions—including working families, seniors, and the disabled—and offers quality care while allowing asset protection.
May 14, 2025
Explore how new legislation affects ABLE accounts and what families should know to protect savings for disability needs.
April 29, 2025
A new federal law strengthens long-term support for individuals with autism, with key takeaways for financial planning.
April 15, 2025
Explore how Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts help protect benefits and support long-term financial planning.
April 8, 2025
Discover how special needs registries help protect individuals with disabilities and complement financial planning efforts.
April 1, 2025
Discover how ABLE accounts offer tax-free savings options that support long-term plans for individuals with disabilities.
March 24, 2025
Estate planning is essential for families with special needs, helping ensure long-term care, security, and peace of mind.
March 17, 2025
Discover how the SSA’s updated disability evaluation process simplifies and speeds up benefits for special needs families.
March 10, 2025
The SSA has updated its disability evaluation process, making it easier and faster for individuals with special needs to apply.
March 3, 2025
Scammers target benefit applicants with false promises and fees. Learn how to spot and avoid these deceptive tactics.
February 24, 2025
Planning for a child's long-term well-being is crucial, especially for those with special needs. This blog outlines a 10-step framework to create a lifetime financial plan, covering tools like special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and emphasizes the importance of legal and estate planning to secure their future.
November 28, 2024
Explore how Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) ensure long-term security for loved ones with disabilities, without compromising government benefits.
November 21, 2024
Explore key financial assistance programs, including Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance options, for families with children who have special needs.
November 14, 2024
This guide offers financial planning strategies for families with special needs children in 2024, ensuring lifelong security and support.
November 7, 2024
New SSI regulation changes expand eligibility and may increase benefits for recipients starting September 2024.
October 28, 2024
Discover how Social Security is simplifying the disability benefits process, making support more accessible for those in need.
October 21, 2024
Explore how Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can create customized learning paths for children with special needs.
October 14, 2024
Explore how both spouses can qualify for SSDI benefits, including individual criteria and family benefit limits.
October 7, 2024
Explore the SSDI benefit calculation process, including tools and tips on estimating your potential monthly disability payments.
September 30, 2024
Explore the impact of inheritance on SSDI benefits, tax implications, and how Special Needs Certified Financial Planners® can safeguard your future.
September 24, 2024
Discover the EFMP's role in enhancing life for military families with special needs dependents, ensuring access to essential services.
September 13, 2024
Major shift for SSI: Donated food won't count as income starting Sept 30, 2024, simplifying benefit calculations.
September 6, 2024
Explore the fight for equal mental health care coverage.
August 26, 2024
Explore the ENABLE Act's impact on ABLE accounts, ensuring financial security for the disabled through key proposed updates.
August 7, 2024
Explore why Special Needs Trusts are vital in securing futures for children with disabilities through effective estate planning.
July 15, 2024
Explore the SSDI 5-year rule's impact on work credits and benefit reinstatement for disabled individuals.
July 8, 2024
Explore the balance of SSDI benefits with part-time work and the safeguards like TWP for special needs individuals.
July 2, 2024
2024's ASNP conference shed light on evaluating pooled special needs trusts, highlighting their critical role and challenges.
June 19, 2024
Explore the essential role of respite care in supporting caregivers of loved ones with disabilities for their well-being.
June 10, 2024
Discover key 2024 SSI changes: No more food cost counts and simplified rent calculations to maximize Social Security payments.
June 5, 2024
Explore tailored planning for children with special needs, ensuring financial security and supportive care for their futures.
May 31, 2024
2024 update: IRS boosts ABLE account limit to $18,000, allowing individuals with disabilities to save more without losing benefits.
May 24, 2024
Secure your special needs child's future with the right financial plan and trust. Ensure benefits eligibility and asset protection.
January 17, 2024
A few of my recent conversations with families included the idea that you can save too much. Is it possible? Learn more...
December 20, 2023
Learn about how upcoming minimum wage changes impact disability income and families with special needs children.
September 27, 2023
Here are some DOs and DON’Ts while saving in your own ABLE account and how to optimize it as an ABLE account beneficiary
September 7, 2023
Substantial Gainful Activity was a term defined by the Social Security Administration to define competitive work enough to justify not awarding cash benefits. Learn more.
June 18, 2023
Is insurance a financial plan for families with special needs? Learn why this isn't the whole story and may not be enough.