Providing for a Disabled Claimant’s Future

The cost of a client losing government benefits can be very high, often in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. From a risk management standpoint, it is wise to ensure that all possible options for settlement distribution as well as the implications of a plaintiff accepting a cash settlement are examined up […]

Is a First Party Special Needs Trust Right for Your Client?

Disabled individuals who expect to receive settlement proceeds may need to consider placing the proceeds into a trust account to preserve assets, protect government benefit eligibility, and help ensure that their needs are being met. A First-Party Special Needs Trust (sometimes referred to as a “d4A trust,” as a nod to the section of federal […]

What is a Pooled Special Needs Trust- and is it the Right Option for Your Client?

If you are an attorney working with a disabled claimant, you’ll want to bring in a settlement planner to review your client’s options. When a disabled individual anticipates accepting proceeds from an injury settlement, certain steps must be taken to help the claimant maintain eligibility for needs-based government benefits (e.g., Medi-Cal, SSI) and preserve their […]

Settlement Planning: A Case Study

Whether your client is a minor child, a working age adult, or an elderly claimant, a settlement planner can be a valuable addition to your team. Unlike a broker or a financial advisor who focuses solely on the finances, a settlement planner takes a more comprehensive approach to settlements, considering additional factors such as living […]

Settlement Planner Spotlight: Traci Kaas, CSSC, CeFT

Primary Office Location: Orange County, California Why did you choose to become a settlement planner? I don’t think I chose to be a settlement planner as much as it chose me.  I strongly feel that your past shapes your present. There was a time in my life that I would have made different decisions during a […]

WILL A SPEND DOWN SAVE YOUR CLIENT’S BENEFITS?

Medi-Cal) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), assets are typically limited to $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for a married couple. For those on public benefits who receive a settlement, a special needs trust may help protect those benefits. However, in some cases, a spend down might be a better option. Special Needs Trust vs. Spend […]