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If you have a disabled child, are there advantages to applying for government benefits as soon as possible - Portland, Oregon.

September 10, 2010

There are some real advantages to not draining resources that you will need for your own old age. A disabled person often requires a great deal of expensive care. He or she may need physical therapy or special services. Parents are often providing care at great sacrifice to themselves. Perhaps they can’t work outside the home, which affects their own financial security.

Parents will frequently provide housing, health insurance and other services of value. In many instances, Federal/State public benefits can assist. This is a personal decision for each family.  

Once a child turns 18, the parents’ resources are not attributed to him or her. So—assuming the child with disabilities cannot work—he or she can usually qualify for government benefits if he or she has no more than $2,000 in assets (such as a savings account). A review by an attorney knowledgeable in public benefits planning is recommended as a starting point.

If you have a disabled child turning 18 in the next few years, exploring a Guardianship is something you should consider - Contact the Special Needs Planning attorneys with the Law Offices of Nay & Friedenberg in Portland, Oregon at (503) 245-0894 to set an appointment.