Wait, is this a college course? Nope. It is an overview of Special Needs Trusts (thus the SNT) and what they offer for disabled Alabamians as a complement to governmental entitlements such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Use this information as a refresher for yourself or send the link to someone you know…
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Special Needs Trusts
Insights from a Special Needs Trust Representative
Dana Zimbleman of Colorado used a special needs trust through Alabama Family Trust to care for her mother, Iva Posey, here in Alabama. Dana has graciously provided Alabama Family Trust with the following summary of her experience to share with others who have elderly loved ones. The Long Yet Fast Decline in Health (also known as…
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Start at the End – Pre-need Funeral Plans
Start at the End When reading a book, you don’t usually read the last page first. However, a representative should take care of that last page as soon as a special needs trust is established for an elderly loved one (a life beneficiary). Why? Because by law, a special needs trust is frozen as soon…
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Parenting Your Parents
Parenting your parents means getting involved with their long-term care plans, if any, their finances and estate plans.
What Can Special Needs Trusts Buy?
This article first appeared in the June 2019 issue of Birmingham Parent magazine.
Alabama Family Trust Turns 25
Time Flies – Let us re-introduce Alabama Family Trust. Back in 1994, the Alabama Legislature passed the statute to create Alabama Family Trust. For the past 25 years, Alabama Family Trust has been the only non-profit, pooled trust company in Alabama administering $30M+ in special needs trust assets for disabled children, adults, and seniors. Board…
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Should Your Trust File a Tax Return?
As a co-trustee, don’t let the question of a trust tax return keep you up at night. The answer is . . . it depends. Fortunately, the Special Needs Alliance has an excellent trust tax summary which was published in the The Voice newsletter. Review the information and talk to your accountant about what is…
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Planning Ahead for Elderly and Disabled Individuals
Still thinking about New Year resolutions? Think beyond the usual “I’m going to lose weight, exercise more, and get healthy” resolutions and commit to one you can keep with just a small amount of effort. Give Funds to Disabled Family Members the Right Way Estate planning is important to make sure your wishes are carried…
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Taking Care of Family
Southerners often pride themselves on taking care of family. However, as family members live longer and Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are becoming more common, caring for an aging loved one can be challenging. Many times, family members cannot quit their jobs to care for the loved one, or they may not have the…
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How Disabled Folks Benefit from Special Needs Trusts
Disabilities can occur at any age . . . . . . But disabilities do not have to mean the end of living a full life. However, the specifics of “a full life” for disabled people go well beyond the basic needs provided by government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Avoid…
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