Getting Started

How to use this website

How to send Questions or Comments

Your questions or comments are welcome. You can send with the Send Questions or Comments link here, at the top of the page, or at the bottom of the page.

The Planning Cycle: Birth to Retirement

• Special Needs Services begin with Special Education (early intervention to graduation) and transition to Adult Social Services at high school graduation.
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can begin as early as age 3 and ends at graduation.
• Transition IEP begins at age 14 (transition planning from High School to post-secondary and transition from Special Education Services to Adult Social Services).
• Age of Majority is 18 in MN. This is the moment when a person ceases to be considered a minor and assumes legal control over their person, actions, and decisions.
• High school graduation is typically between 18 and 22 (MN) years of age.
• Plan your child’s best life with Person-Centered Planning using the Charting the LifeCourse Nexus.
• This website provides an effective planning approach from birth to retirement. There are many considerations in the list on the left. This requires planning and action over time.

Let’s get started: here are 3 tools you can use to manage your special needs plan

1. Download your Secondary Transition Planning Checklist – What are the steps to take and what are your priorities? You will track your progress by the age of your child. It’s a free download published by Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative (NLSEC).

2. Download Your Letter of Intent and Parent’s Guide to document your results. It’s a free download published by Special Needs Financial Planning.

“Developing a Life Plan is an ongoing process. It involves putting goals into words in the major areas of life and then developing a plan so that those goals will be achieved. This involves helping your child develop the skills needed to carry on after you are gone, and establishing a support system that will enable your child to live a happy and rewarding life.” Planning for the Future by Mark Russell – 7th Edition

3. Optional: Consider buying the Special Needs Planning Guide – published by Special Needs Financial Planning.

Here’s a summary of how the book is organized. It’s a high-quality guide for our community authored by people in our community. Their hearts and minds are in the right place. It’s written by two Certified Financial Planners with a focus on special needs planning.

What did I learn? (a parent’s perspective)

1. Our journey began working with primary healthcare providers with diagnoses, surgeries, and therapies and then preschool teachers guiding us through the IEP process. They led us by the hand through the early years and we were grateful to have the direct support.

2. Our K-12 teachers continued to provide support with the IEP and transition planning. Note that there is generally no transition certification training for teachers. This is a call to action parents and guardians. We must learn and work with the available professionals and resources to build our child’s path to success.

3. I was supposed to “move to the driver’s seat” at Kindergarten. I didn’t and I continued to “watch from the passenger seat”, waiting to be guided. In hindsight, this was a big mistake. We must set goals and a vision for our child’s best life and coordinate with the IEP process. We need to determine the destination and how our child will get there. Charting the LifeCourse provides excellent tools to guide us.

4. The age milestones are important. My son did not receive $15,000 in cash needs-based benefits that he was entitled to because I didn’t know to seek them and apply when he turned 18.

5. No one will likely approach you or your child to let you know if s/he may be eligible for benefits. You are often the coordinator of benefits. Organizations do not generally communicate with each other (i.e. Social Security Administration and MN Dept of Human Services do not communicate even though there is a coordination of benefits required).

6. Pay close attention and plan for these age milestones; 14 / 9th grade (begin secondary transition process in school), 18 / age of majority (it is the moment when a person ceases to be considered a minor and assumes legal control over their person, actions, and decisions), and 18 to 22 / high school graduation (Special education services are your child’s legal right until they graduate from high school or turn 22, whichever comes first (MN). At graduation, your young adult will need to get their support from social service agencies for adults with disabilities).

7. I was startled, and honestly, a little scared when I was told that once my son graduated he would no longer have access to school supports. What should I be aware of? What will my child do when not in school? What does the future hold? Don’t do what I did. Don’t wait until your child is 18 on the cusp of graduating to start to investigate this whole process. Start the planning process now.

8. Talk to other parents and guardians. It’s good to connect with others in our community. Attend local workshops and seek support groups.

9. Success requires a good follow through. If you prioritize the special needs planning process you’ll be happy you did at graduation and beyond.

10. Having a plan and feeling like you have everything covered is a huge relief. It’s comforting to feel grounded and confident about the future.

What do I need to plan for?

Just knowing the areas we need to consider is a good place to start.

How do I learn more?

Refer to the Secondary Transition Resource Booklet, the NLSEC Secondary Transition Website, and the Disability Hub MN Website.

How do we fund basic needs and supplemental needs?

The example below includes Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is $943 per month in all states in 2024, Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), and MSA Housing Assistance (MN only).

View your state’s SSI supplemental payment policy at this link.

Search online for your state’s SSI supplemental payment policy, amount, and how to apply.

Determine if your child is eligible to use an ABLE account at this link.

How can ABLE and Trust funds be used?

Is there a good book on special needs planning?

This book is written by Cynthia Haddad, who has a brother with special needs, and John Nadworny, who has a son with special needs. Their heads and hearts are in the right place. The book is relatable and very informative.

The Special Needs Planning Guide

Benefits and Supports

What are the common benefits and supports?

Entitlement benefits and programs: “Entitlements guarantee access to benefits based on established legislation as long as the person meets disability and/or asset and income eligibility criteria.” – The Special Needs Planning Guide

1. Early Intervention (EI): A system of coordinated services that promotes the child’s growth and development and supports families during ages birth to 3. In Minnesota, the lead agency is the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

2. Individualized Education Plan (IEP): The IEP is a legally binding document outlining a plan for a child, who has a disability identified under the law, to receive specific services in school.

3. Medicare: The federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, and for certain younger people with disabilities.

4. Medical Assistance (MA): A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for people with low incomes and limited resources. This is Minnesota’s Medicaid program for people with low income.

5. MA-EPD (MN): People with disabilities who work may get coverage under a program called Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities.

6. MA-TEFRA (MN): MA under the TEFRA option may be available to your child or children who have a disability but are denied MA because your family income is too high.

7. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Disability benefits are payable to workers with disabilities, disabled widows or widowers, or adults disabled since childhood who are otherwise eligible.

8. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly income to people who are blind or disabled and who have limited income and financial resources.

9. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Program that helps people with low income get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals.

10. Federal and military benefits

11. Veterans benefits

12. Railroad retirement benefits

13. Civil service retirement benefits

Non-entitlement benefits and programs: “In non-entitlement services or programs, individuals must still meet eligibility criteria but will receive benefits only if funding is available through the state.” – The Special Needs Planning Guide

1. Waiver Programs:  Home and community-based services waiver program is available for people who need extra help to stay at home instead of moving to a nursing home or other medical facility.

2. Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS): The Vocational Rehabilitation Services unit can help you prepare for, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible.

3. Adult Foster Care (AFC): A type of housing for people with disabilities and seniors who need some daily care, but do not need skilled nursing care. Adult Foster Care is sometimes called Community Residential Settings (CRS). Note: Adult Foster Care is different than children living in foster care. It is housing for adults with disabilities and seniors.

4. Personal Care Assistance (PCA): A health care program that provides services to seniors and people with disabilities to help them remain independent in the community. PCA workers provide covered services in a person’s home or in the community.

5. Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA): Provides cash assistance to help adults who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pay for their basic needs. Some people who are blind, have a disability or are older than 65 but do not get SSI because their other income is too high may also be eligible for MSA if they meet the income limit.

6. MSA Housing Assistance (MN): Helps people with disabilities who pay more than 40 percent of their income toward housing costs so that they have a choice about where they live.

7. Section 8 Housing Assistance: Program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

Optional resources: These resources can be used without impacting disability benefits.

1. ABLE account: A type of savings plan made available through the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 which, like a 529 college savings plan, provides professionally managed, tax-advantaged investment portfolios designed to help families save for the future care of a child with disabilities.

2. Supplemental Needs Trust: Purpose: To provide for the supplemental needs of a family member or friend with a disability. Funded By: Someone other than the Beneficiary or spouse or anyone obligated to Beneficiary per terms of settlement or judgment (also called third-party SNT).

3. Special Needs Trust: Purpose: To protect Beneficiary’s assets (resources) for their lifetime use. Funded By: Assets of the Beneficiary = resources of Beneficiary or spouse (also called first-party SNT).

4. Charting the LifeCourse (the Disability Hub link): Charting the LifeCourse is designed to be used for your own life, for your family members, or in the work you do. The framework and tools will help you organize your ideas, vision, and goals, as well as problem-solve, navigate, and advocate for supports. This is the link to LifeCourse Nexus: Training and Technical Assistance Center.

5. Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS):A PASS is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business. If SSA approves your PASS, they will not count the money you spend on your plan when they determine your eligibility for SSI.

6. Individual Development Account (IDA): An IDA is a special bank account that helps you save for your education, the purchase of a first home, or to start a business. You use earnings from your work to set up an approved bank account for an IDA and your contributions are matched. If approved, SSA will not count the money you contribute to your IDA when they determine your eligibility for SSI.

7. Health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs): Health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs), also known as flexible spending accounts, are an employer-established benefit plan used to reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses. If approved, SSA will not count the money you contribute to your FSA when they determine your eligibility for SSI.

Organizations: these organizations have an abundance of excellent information and support. There are many more great organizations, this is a good place to start.

1. Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative (NLSEC) & Interagency Coordinating Council of Duluth (ICCOD): Special Education Services & Transition Services.

2. Disability Hub MN: A free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system and plan for your future.

3. Housing Benefits 101 MN: You might have more choices for affordable housing than you’d think. Use the tools on Housing Benefits 101, or HB101, to explore your housing options, discover what works for you and make a plan to get there.

4. PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights ): Through more than 30 projects, PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center® provides resources designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities.

5. The Arc: Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Over 600 local chapters across the US, over 70 years driving change and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, over 1,000 national and community programs.

6. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental illness): We are dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Our Alliance includes more than 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. Find your local NAMI

What are the base eligibility criteria for benefits?

• All eligibility requirements assume you are a U.S. citizen or national, or a non-citizen in one of certain alien classifications granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a citizen of the United States, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, and have a qualifying disability.
• Assumes disabled adult is not married. If married then many benefits are not available unless both people are disabled.
• Waiting list times vary by program and state.
• Your child must meet certain requirements for eligibility.

Benefit	Income Limit (per month)	Countable Assets Limit	Notes:
Entitlement benefits and programs	Varies (see below)	Varies (see below)	“Entitlements guarantee access to benefits based on established legislation as long as the person meets disability and/or asset and income eligibility criteria.” – The Special Needs Planning Guide
Early Intervention (EI)	N/A	N/A	Parents, family members, doctors, hospitals, public health nurses, or childcare providers—all can refer a child to an early intervention program. After receiving the referral, someone from the early intervention program will contact you to discuss your concerns. This person may be called a service coordinator or IFSP facilitator. The coordinator facilitator will ask you if your child has a medical diagnosis and may ask you to complete a brief questionnaire over the phone. Based on the information that you provide, a decision will be made to either do a full evaluation or begin with a screening. You must give your permission in writing before the team can proceed.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)	N/A	N/A	Determining IEP eligibility is a 4-step process (MN) 1. Either parents, guardians, or school staff can request a special education evaluation request or referral. The parent or guardian must provide approval to proceed. 2. Once you and the school district agree that a special education evaluation is needed, the next step is to agree on the areas of potential concern that the evaluation will cover. 3. Once you consent in writing to the plan, the evaluation can begin. The school team will contact you to participate in the evaluation. Any observations and assessments performed usually take place at school. The evaluation report must be completed and provided to you within 30 school days of the date that you sign and return your consent to the school district’s proposed evaluation plan. 4. After your child’s evaluation is complete, the information gathered will be summarized in an evaluation report. The school district is required to invite you to a meeting with the school team to discuss the results and determine whether your child qualifies for special education and related services.
Medicare	N/A	N/A	Eligible after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
Medical Assistance (MA) (Medicaid)	$1,255 (MN) – scales up with size of family	$3,000 for a single person / $6,000 for household of two, plus $200 for each dependent	Applicants must have a certified disability through the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) or the Social Security Administration (are receiving Social Security disability benefits).
MA-EPD (MN) (Medicaid)	N/A	N/A	To be eligible for MA-EPD, you must: – Be certified disabled by either the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team – Be employed and have required taxes withheld or paid from earned income – Have monthly earnings of more than $65 on average over a six month period – Pay a premium (American Indian or Alaska Natives are exempt from paying a premium) – Pay an unearned income obligation if required
MA-TEFRA (MN) (Medicaid)	N/A	N/A	MA under the TEFRA option may be available to your child or children who have a disability but are denied MA because your family income is too high. – When your child is enrolled in MA under the TEFRA option, they do not pay deductibles or co-pays. – Beginning July 1, 2023, parents are not required to pay a parental fee, unless their child is in out of home placement. – Before July 1, 2023, some parents of children enrolled in MA under the TEFRA option had to contribute towards the cost of the child’s care by paying a parental fee. If your child received services before July 1, 2023, you are responsible for any payments. You may receive paperwork requesting information for those services.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) paid on parent’s record	$1,550, $2,590 if blind	N/A	Pays 50% on one parent’s (whichever is higher) Social Security retirement record (this does not reduce the parent’s payment). Pays 75% on one deceased parent’s (whichever is higher) Social Security retirement record.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) paid on own record	$1,550, $2,590 if blind	N/A	You may be eligible for Disability if you have: 1. A disability or blindness, and 2. Enough work history. You must have a disability that affects your ability to work for a year or more, or will result in death. If you continue to work, your condition must also limit you from earning income above an amount we call “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). In 2024, SGA is $1,550 per month, or $2,590 if you’re considered blind under our rules. We use different rules to determine SGA if you’re self-employed. Generally, you must have worked for at least 5 of the last 10 years to qualify for Disability. People under the age of 24 may not need to have worked as long. Sign in and look under “More Benefits” to see if you’ve worked long enough to qualify. If you’re the spouse, ex-spouse, or child of someone getting Disability, you may qualify for Family Benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)	$1,550, SGA for the blind does not apply to SSI benefits	$2,000, $3,000 if couple	If you are under age 18 we may consider you “disabled” if you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, (including an emotional or learning problem) that: – results in marked and severe functional limitations; and – can be expected to result in death; or – has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. If you are age 18 or older we may consider you “disabled” if you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including an emotional or learning problem) which: – results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and – can be expected to result in death; or – has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)	$1,215 net income (MN)	N/A	The most common deductions for households that include a disabled person or elderly person are: – A standard $198 deduction – 20% of gross earned income – Dependent care costs – Court-ordered child support for someone outside the household – Unreimbursed medical expenses above $35 per month – and, Deductions for rent, mortgage expenses, property taxes, home insurance, and utility costs. The eligibility worker calculates the amount of this deduction. Here’s the Minnesota SNAP eligibility calculator.
Benefit	Income Limit (per month)	Countable Assets Limit	Notes:
Non-entitlement benefits and programs	Varies (see below)	Varies (see below)	“In non-entitlement services or programs, individuals must still meet eligibility criteria but will receive benefits only if funding is available through the state.” – The Special Needs Planning Guide
Waiver Programs (MN)	$1,255 (MN) – scales up with size of family	$3,000 for a single person / $6,000 for household of two, plus $200 for each dependent	In Minnesota you must meet all of the following criteria to qualify for a MA-Waiver program: 1. You must qualify for disability-based MA or for MA-EPD. 2. You must be certified disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) Note: If you’re applying for the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver, you only need to have a documented diagnosis of a developmental disability. This is determined during a MnCHOICES assessment by your county or tribal human services office. 3. You can be any age when you enroll in the DD Waiver program, however the developmental disability must have been determined prior to age 22. 4. You must be under age 65 when you enroll in the CAC, CADI, or BI Waiver programs. If you’re on a MA-Waiver program when you turn 65, you can remain on it past age 65. 5. You must get a MnCHOICES assessment from your county or tribal human services office. This assessment will help you decide which services you need. It will also help decide if living in the community, as opposed to an institution, is in your best interest. 6. You must be able to make an informed choice about the fact that you want MA-Waiver services rather than institutional care. If you’re unable to make that choice, an authorized representative can make it for you. 7. You must have a plan of care that ensure your health and safety (often referred to as a Community Support Plan). This plan should help you identify and access the supports you need to live in the community. You get this plan through your Social Worker. 8. You must live in the community, not an institution. You can live in your own home, with family, or in other community settings like foster care homes or assisted living centers.
Waiver Programs (MN) – Assistive Technology	see above	see above	Assistive technology provided under the waiver programs listed above: 1. Assistive technology
Waiver Programs (MN) – Day or Vocational Supports	see above	see above	Day or vocational supports provided under the waiver programs listed above: 1. Adult day services 2. Adult day services bath 3. Case management 4. Case management aide 5. Family adult day services 6. Independent living skills (ILS) therapies 7. Integrated community supports 8. Prevocational services 9. Specialist services 10. Transitional services
Waiver Programs (MN) – Employment Supports	see above	see above	Employment supports provided under the waiver programs listed above: 1. Employment development services 2. Employment exploration services 3. Employment support services
Waiver Programs (MN) – Family Supports	see above	see above	Family supports provided under the waiver programs listed above: 1. 24-hour emergency assistance 2. Caregiver living expenses 3. Chore services 4. Consumer directed community supports (CDCS) 5. Crisis respite 6. Day support services 7. Environmental accessibility adaptations 8. Extended personal care assistance 9. Family training and counseling 10. Personal emergency response systems [PERS] 11. Positive support services (formerly behavioral support) 12. Specialized equipment and supplies
Waiver Programs (MN) – Residential or Community Living Supports	see above	see above	Residential or community living supports provided under the waiver programs listed above: 1. Community residential services 2. Customized living (including 24-hour) 3. Extended home care nursing 4. Extended home care services 5. Extended home care therapies 6. Extended home health aide 7. Family residential services 8. Home-delivered meals 9. Homemaker 10. Individualized home supports (without training, with training and with family training) 11. Night supervision services 12. Respite
Waiver Programs (MN) – Transportation Supports	see above	see above	Transportation supports provided under the waiver programs listed above: 1. Transportation
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)	N/A	N/A	Eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation Services is based mostly on whether you have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult to prepare for, get, or keep work. Under the Ticket to Work Program, adults aged 18 – 64 who get SSI or SSDI due to a disability are automatically eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services. Minnesota Rehabilitation Services sometimes does not have enough resources to provide services to every person who is eligible to get them. People who have the most severe disabilities will get services first.
Adult Foster Care (AFC)	$1,255 (MN) – scales up with size of family	$3,000 for a single person / $6,000 for household of two, plus $200 for each dependent	Adult Foster Care (AFC) is a type of housing for people with disabilities and seniors who need some daily care, but do not need skilled nursing care. Adult Foster Care is sometimes called Community Residential Settings (CRS) and is provided for under the MN Waivers. See Waiver Programs above for eligibility criteria under each type of waiver. AFC is provided under each of the four waivers listed.
Personal Care Assistance (PCA)	$1,255 (MN) – scales up with size of family	$3,000 for a single person / $6,000 for household of two, plus $200 for each dependent	To be eligible for PCA, a person must: – Live in the community and not a facility, such as a hospital or nursing home. – Be able to direct care or have a representative who can direct care on their behalf. – Be enrolled in one of Minnesota’s health care programs (Medical Assistance, MA waiver/Alternative Care). – Some people on Minnesota Care are also eligible. Have an assessment that determines they are eligible. The person’s county, tribal nation or managed care organization conducts the assessment.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)	$2,829, $5,658 if couple (MN)	$10,000	Must live in Minnesota, be 18 or older, Be elderly, blind, or disabled according to Social Security or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT), get SSI, or not get an SSI payment only because you have countable income or countable assets that are too high for SSI.
MSA Housing Assistance (MN)	$2,829, $5,658 if couple (MN)	$10,000	You can only get MSA Housing Assistance if you qualify for MSA. You must spend more than 40% of your income on your housing expenses. Be in one of these situations: – Eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) personal care assistance (PCA) services – Living in your own home or apartment and getting services through an MA-Waiver program, – or Moving out of an institution, an intensive residential mental health treatment program, or a Housing Support (formerly GRH) setting and into a location in the community, such as your own home or apartment. For MSA, institutions can include hospitals, regional treatment centers, nursing facilities, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DDs).
Section 8 Housing Assistance	less than 50% of the area median income (MN)	<$100,000	To get Section 8 benefits, you must: – Have very low income (less than 50% of the area median income) Not all income is counted. Example: The earned income of children under 18 and of dependents over 18 who are full-time students is not counted. – Not own a home your family could live in – Have less than $100,000 in countable assets (not all assets are counted) ABLE accounts, Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) accounts, retirement accounts, some types of trusts, and personal property with a combined value of less than $50,000 are not counted. – Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant. Eligible immigrants include permanent legal residents, refugees, asylees, and lawful temporary residents. You may be more likely to qualify for Section 8 if you: – Have a disability – Have children – Are age 62 or older – Are a U.S. Armed Services veteran, widow, or widower – Are experiencing homelessness – Are in a shelter
Resource	Income Limit (per month)	Countable Assets Limit	Notes:
Optional resources	N/A	N/A	These resources can be used without impacting disability benefits.
ABLE account	N/A	N/A	It is important to understand that not all individuals with disabilities will be eligible to open an ABLE account. The ABLE Act limits eligibility to individuals with significant disabilities with an age of onset of disability before turning 26 years of age. If you meet this age criterion and are also already receiving benefits under SSI and/or SSDI, you are automatically eligible to establish an ABLE account. If you are not a recipient of SSI and/or SSDI, but still meet the age of onset disability requirement, you could still be eligible to open an ABLE account if you meet Social Security’s definition and criteria regarding significant functional limitations and receive a letter of certification from a licensed physician (MD or DO). You do not have to be under the age of 26 to be eligible for an ABLE account. You can be over the age of 26, but the disabling condition must have occurred before your 26th birthday. ABLE Age Adjustment Act passed as part of the Omnibus Spending Bill. This bill will increase the age of ABLE eligibility from “before age 26” to “before age 46” effective 01/01/2026. This will expand the number of ABLE eligible individuals.
Supplemental Needs Trust (3rd party)	N/A	N/A	Every state has its own eligibility requirements for establishing a special needs trust. In Minnesota the following criteria must be met: – The beneficiary must have a disability as defined under state and federal laws. – Person of any age, or under the age of 64 if they reside in a long term care facility
Special Needs Trust (1st party)	N/A	N/A	Every state has its own eligibility requirements for establishing a special needs trust. In Minnesota the following criteria must be met: – The beneficiary must have a disability as defined under state and federal laws. – Person with a disability under age 65
Charting the LifeCourse	N/A	N/A	Anyone may use these tools.
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)	N/A	N/A	You may have a PASS if : – you would be eligible for SSI based on disability if not for your income and/or assets. – you are already eligible for SSI and have income that reduces the amount of SSI you receive. – using a PASS to reach your employment goal ultimately will help you to reduce or eliminate benefits you receive from SSI, Social Security, or both.
Individual Development Account (IDA)	N/A	N/A	WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN IDA? – If you are working and receiving TANF payments, you may be eligible for a TANF IDA. (Not every State currently offers a TANF IDA.) – If you are working and either receiving TANF or have low income and assets, you may be eligible for a demonstration project IDA.
Health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs)	N/A	N/A	Health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs), also known as flexible spending accounts, are an employer-established benefit plan used to reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses. An employee’s voluntary salary reduction agreement with the employer usually funds health FSAs. The employer may also contribute to the health FSA. Self-employed individuals are not eligible for health FSAs.

What are the MN Waiver Programs and what do they provide?

Minnesota’s MA-Waiver programs provide additional services beyond those offered under Medical Assistance (MA) or Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) to help people with disabilities live in their community rather than in an institution.

There are four Waivers for disability support

1.Community Alternatives Care (CAC) Waiver (MN) – Serves people with disabilities who need the level of care normally provided in a hospital. Services can range from home nursing services to extended nutritional therapies to modification of a home or car.

2.Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver (MN) – Provides services that help adults and children with disabilities live in the community rather than in a nursing facility. CADI Waiver services are wide-ranging and include services such as adult day care, homemaker services, independent living services, and home delivered meals. 

3.Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver (MN) – Helps people with developmental disabilities live in the community rather in an Intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD). DD Waiver services are wide-ranging and include services such as employment services including work exploration, development, and support, extended Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services, homemaker services, modifications to the home or vehicle, respite care, transportation services, and independent living services.

4.Brain Injury (BI) Waiver (MN) – Provides home and community based programs to people with a brain injury. BI Waiver enrollees must be able to function well enough to participate in their rehabilitation and they must require greater levels of service than can be attained through other Waiver programs. 

A person of any age with a disability or in need of long-term services and supports can ask for a MnCHOICES assessment (MN). This is required in order to obtain support through a Waiver Program.

MnCHOICES Assessment: Steps to get help, DHS 7283 (PDF) (MN)

It may help you:

1.Identify if you may be eligible for Medical Assistance.

2.Access publicly funded programs such as MA waivers, Personal Care Assistance (PCA) or other services and supports.

3.It helps you learn about and have help accessing other support options.

Is there a parent advocacy organization?

PACER Center improves educational opportunities and enhances the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

ABLE account: why do I need it and how do I open an account?

MN ABLE Account

Where can I compare ABLE accounts by state?

Compare States

What are the MN ABLE Checking and Investment Options?

MN ABLE Investment Options

There are multiple choices that include a checking account with debit card and variations of investment mixes from conservative to aggressive.

What are the MN ABLE Investments and how have they performed over time?

MN ABLE Portfolio Price and Performance

The MN ABLE account uses the following investments. This can vary by state.

Where can I find my state’s Department of Developmental Services website?

List of State’s Department of Developmental Services

How to Plan and Manage

How do we prepare for benefits interviews (Social Security, SMRT, MnCHOICES)?

1. There are two types of benefits: (1) Entitlement Programs – funded by the Federal Government, eligibility is based on financial and healthcare needs (SSI, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, SNAP, etc.) and (2) Non-entitlement Programs – funded by your state, even if your child is eligible to receive these benefits based on her/his disability, s/he is entitled to receive them only if funding is available. Waiting periods vary by state before program funding can be approved for your child (Waivers, residential supports, employment supports, transportation, etc.).

2. The Minnesota (MN) State Medical Review Team (SMRT) is a group of medical professionals and staff at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) who complete disability determinations for healthcare eligibility for Medical Assistance (MA). Refer to the Arc Guide to State Medical Review Team (SMRT) or the Disability Hub SMRT Application Checklist.

3. MnCHOICES is a person centered, face-to-face assessment – similar to an interview – with a certified assessor. The assessment assists to determine whether an individual with a disability needs services and supports to live and work in their communities. The assessment helps decide the types of support that someone might be able to access (MN Waivers, PCA, etc.), as well as how much support they need, and next steps to take to begin accessing services. Refer to the Arc Guide to MNChoices Assessment or MnCHOICES Assessment: Steps to get help.

4. At age 18, a door to Federal Entitlement Programs opens.  Before turning 18, a child’s eligibility for government benefits is based upon their parents’ income and assets.  At age 18 the child’s level of income and assets are considered for eligibility for means-based benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

5. Open an ABLE account if eligible at any age. Only open the account if there are funds available to transfer now. There is an account management fee so if you open an account before funds are available consider the fee.

6. Open a checking account with debit card in your child’s name. Social Security, MSA, MSA Housing Assistance, and earned income from jobs will be deposited in this account. Bills will be paid from this account when appropriate.

7. Ensure resources in disabled person’s name are below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).

8. Open a Supplemental Needs Trust (3rd-party) or Special Needs Trust (1st-party) as needed. Supplemental Needs (3rd-party) is preferred if possible as funds are not subject to medical reimbursement upon beneficiary’s death. They are for Special Needs (1st-party) trusts where resources are in the disabled person’s name. You will need to work with an attorney who is familiar with special needs. Here’s an article by the Special Needs Alliance: Choosing an Attorney to Help With Special Needs Planning. I worked with Guzman LaLonde, PA and was very happy and impressed.

9. To be eligible for federal disability benefits, a person must be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount (net of impairment-related work expenses) is ordinarily considered to be engaging in SGA. The monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2024 is $2,590. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount for 2024 is $1,550. SGA for the blind does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to Social Security and SSI benefits.

10. Determine if you will charge your child rent. If your child pays for her/his fair share of rent or mortgage, utilities, and food then s/he will receive the full SSI benefit. The SSI benefit will be reduced if not paying fair share. Fair share is generally a calculation of the total expense divided by the number of people living in the home, counting both adults and children.

11. Be prepared to be honest during the interviewing process. This is not the time to hold your child to the standards and hopes you have for her/him in the future. Be prepared to discuss the worst days. Talk with your child before an interview that this will be discussed so everyone is prepared.

How do we apply for SSI, MSA (MN), and MSA Housing Assistance (MN)?

Do benefits have to be renewed?

Yes, there are multiple annual renewals, sometimes called reassessments. You must respond in a timely manner, usually within 30 days of notification. Keep your contact information up to date.

Social Security: Continuing Disability Review (CDR) – Social Security periodically reviews your medical impairment(s) to determine if you continue to have a disabling condition. If we determine that you are no longer disabled or blind, your benefits will stop.

Social Security: Redetermination – We review your non-medical eligibility factors (i.e., income, resources, and living arrangements) to determine whether you are still eligible for and receiving the correct SSI payment.

Social Security: Access to Financial Institutions (AFI) – the initiative is now operational for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and waiver purposes in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Northern Mariana Islands. AFI automatically requests and views bank account balance data to help reduce payment errors related to financial accounts.

Medical Assistance (MA): Renewal – If you have Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare, the Department of Human Services (DHS) must review your eligibility once a year to see whether you are still eligible. This process is called a renewal.

MnCHOICES: Reassessment (contact your Social Worker for more information) – allows for a review of the current support plan’s effectiveness, monitoring of services/quality, assurance of service delivery, and development of an updated person-centered community support plan. Reassessments verify continued eligibility (or offer alternatives as warranted).

Pro Tip: these processes can help you. If it’s identified that there were missing benefits in the past these processes will ensure you are updated appropriately to include issuance of past SSI benefits that should have been paid, but were not.

Pro Tip: Use an ABLE account to maintain <$2,000 in the checking and savings accounts at the end of each month.

Pro Tip: The Access to Financial Institutions (AFI) process can conduct up to 10 searches for additional accounts with the disabled person’s name to ensure all resources are being considered.

Pro Tip: Social Security reports that Access to Financial Institutions (AFI) can be utilized every 1 to 6 years. So an audit will likely be conducted up to annually.

Pro Tip: if an error occurs in this process you can contact your local Social Security office to request corrections.

How do I manage all this?

Resources for Success

1. Attend Mentoring Day each year, both students and parents (when a parent / guardian session is included) – a local version of the National Disability Mentoring Day which is organized by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). Check with your school district for your activities. Here’s the link to the NLSEC / ICCOD Mentoring Day for their school districts in northern Minnesota. This Mentoring Day includes parent / guardian sessions.

2. Use Secondary Transition checklist (organized by age) – published by Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative (NLSEC)

3. Reference the Secondary Transition Resource Booklet – published by Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative (NLSEC)

4. Reference the Disability Hub MN (search for Disability Benefits 101 for your state) and the Housing Benefits 101 MN (search for Housing Benefits 101 for your state)

5. Download Your Letter of Intent and Parent’s Guide (this is where you record everything you do) – published by Special Needs Financial Planning

6. Consider buying the Special Needs Planning Guide (a guided tour along the journey) – published by Special Needs Financial Planning

How do we manage the money?

How do benefits and accounts work together?

Maintain countable resources below $2,000 at month end with transfers to ABLE account as needed.

There are many exclusions from countable resources.

If parents or others want to help pay for expenses they should contribute to the ABLE account, then beneficiary pays bills from ABLE account and does not lose benefits.

If ABLE contributions are at the maximum of $18,000 from all parties then contribute to Trust.

Funds can transfer from trusts to an ABLE account.

What does an example budget look like?

Example budget shows side by side comparison of either working at $12 per hour, 20 hours per week or not working.

The more you work the more income you have because SSI benefit decreases 50 cents for each additional dollar of earned income.

Anyone can contribute to an ABLE account. The total is $18,000 from all contributors.

The account owner can contribute up to an additional $14,580 from earned income ($32,580 total in 2024).

Saving $300 per month for retirement for 40 years results in $144,000 savings. If invested with an average 6% return there would be $588,000, which is about $23,520 per year for 25 years at retirement.

What are some potential retirement income sources?

What are some retirement planning considerations?

Maintain <$2,000 in checking and savings accounts.

Maintain <$100,000 in ABLE account (so stop contributions before $100,000 is reached to leave room for investment growth over time).

Invest additional funds in parent or guardian IRA or other retirement account and establish name of trust as beneficiary.

Include any other inheritance or gifts in name of trust as beneficiary.