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Advocating for individuals with special needs
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Family Matters
Advocating for Individuals with Special Needs Laurie G. Steiner, Esq., CELA
You’re taking care of your disabled child and hopefully, you’re doing okay on your own. However, there are certain issues that require legal help. Here are several tips to help you know when this may be needed.
• If your school district refuses to cooperate with you in your child’s IEP or 504 plans, contact a special education attorney for assistance. The attorney can assist with the planning or any fair hearings that might be necessary to follow federal and state laws and protect your child.
• When your child turns age 18, you may need to apply for supplemental security income to provide financial assistance.
The initial application can be made online, but is almost always denied.
A social security disability attorney should assist with the appeals and court hearings that follow to ensure your child obtains eligibility. • When you die, your estate must be handled properly to ensure your disabled child doesn’t lose their supplemental security income and/or Medicaid health coverage. You must set up a special needs trust before you die to hold any assets for your child’s benefit. A special needs or elder law attorney is a requirement to make sure your estate planning is completed correctly.
When in doubt, call one of these kinds of attorneys and ask questions. They are well-versed in the issues you face, are happy to assist, and you likely will find the cost is the best investment you ever made to help your child with special needs.
Laurie G. Steiner, Esq., CELA, Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd. 6105 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 140, Mayfield Heights, 216-765-0123, ssandplaw.com
