Wills and Probate

Staten Island Attorney Aids Your Special Needs Planning

Creating legal entities to safeguard your vulnerable loved ones

Parents of special-needs children devote themselves commendably to their dependent loved ones, as do family members caring for disabled adults. But even as these caregivers capably manage their day-to-day tasks, they must deal with anxious thoughts about what would happen if they weren’t around. Since 1997, William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law has helped special-needs caregivers establish legal safeguards for their vulnerable loved ones, to address their needs now and in the future.

Addressing special needs with Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits

The Social Security Administration oversees Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides monthly payments to people who have low income and are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Disabled persons may work and receive SSI, provided that their income (after deductions) does not produce resources in excess of $2,000. Disabled persons may also be eligible for benefits from other antipoverty programs, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As your special-needs-planning attorney, we explain the government benefits available to address your loved one’s long-term care, and help structure your assets to establish eligibility.

Establishing special-needs trusts in New York and New Jersey

Special-needs caregivers face particular challenges when formulating their estate plan. You realize that your loved one requires your financial support, SSI and Medicaid to make ends meet. But if you transfer assets outright through a will, your loved one would no longer qualify for government benefits and would not have the necessary supervision of those finances. But, when you create a special-needs trust, your loved one can receive monthly stipends sufficient to address deductible expenses without losing SSI eligibility. Trusts can pay for:

  • Expenses related to their disability that Medicaid doesn’t cover
  • Handicapped-friendly equipment and vehicles
  • Home care
  • Caretaker services
  • Residence costs

William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law understands that the key to successful special-needs planning is personal contact with the people involved. We get to know your circumstances and concerns, then work to tailor a plan that meets your loved one’s unique needs.

Contact a conscientious Staten Island attorney for special needs trusts in NY and NJ

William J. Newstad, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law provides highly personalized service for clients in New York and New Jersey caring for loved ones with special needs. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Mr. Newstad in our Great Kills Town office, call 718.815.5800 or contact our office online. Our satellite office located in Downtown Staten Island/St. George across the street from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal is wheelchair accessible.  Please let us know your preference when scheduling.

office location

William J. Newstad, Attorney at Law
3884 Amboy Road
Staten Island, New York 10308
718.815.5800 Phone
888.419.1547 Fax
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718.815.5800

William J. Newstad, Attorney at Law is located in Staten Island, NY and serves clients in and around Staten Island, Breezy Point, Brooklyn, New York, Jamaica, Rockaway Park, Ridgewood, Maspeth, Long Island City, Howard Beach, Middle Village, Sunnyside, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Woodside, Arverne, Elmhurst, Rego Park, Astoria, South Ozone Park, South Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Corona, East Elmhurst, Inwood, Springfield Gardens, Bronx, Bronx County, Kings County, Nassau County, New York County, Orange County, Queens County, Richmond County, Rockland County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.