ChSNC key terms

A needs-tested federal cash benefit for people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. For a child under 18, family income and assets are counted in deciding eligibility.

An insurance benefit paid to workers who become disabled and to certain family members, based on the worker's earnings record and payroll tax contributions. Eligibility does not depend on household income or assets.

An SSDI benefit paid to a person whose disability began before age 22 and who is the child of a deceased, disabled, or retired worker. It can continue for life even if the recipient marries, in limited cases.

The earnings threshold Social Security uses to decide whether a person is working at a level that disqualifies them from disability benefits. The amount is adjusted annually and differs for blind and non-blind claimants.

Costs a worker with a disability pays out of pocket for items or services needed to work, such as attendant care or specialized equipment. These amounts are subtracted from earnings when applying the SGA test.

An approved written plan allowing an SSI recipient to set aside income or resources for a work goal, such as education, training, or starting a business. The set-aside assets are excluded when determining SSI eligibility.

A joint federal-state health program for low-income people, including many with disabilities. It covers services Medicare does not, such as long-term supports, personal care, and home- and community-based services.

A federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older and for some people with long-term disabilities who qualify through SSDI. Coverage is divided into parts covering hospital, medical, and prescription drug benefits.

A Medicaid authority letting states fund services such as in-home support, respite, and supported employment so a person can live in the community rather than an institution. Waiver slots are often subject to waiting lists.

A Medicaid-funded residential facility providing active treatment for people with intellectual disabilities. It is an institutional setting, distinct from community-based options and subject to different eligibility and funding rules.

The rule that counts some of a parent's or spouse's income and assets as available to an SSI applicant. Deeming usually ends when a child turns 18, which can make an adult child newly eligible.

The Social Security definition of disability for applicants under 18, based on marked and severe functional limitations rather than ability to work. The standard is re-evaluated under adult rules at age 18.

The review Social Security conducts when an SSI recipient turns 18, applying adult disability rules and ending parental income deeming. Many children lose benefits, while others become eligible for the first time.

A trust designed to hold assets for a person with a disability while preserving eligibility for needs-tested benefits. Trust distributions supplement rather than replace public benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.

A trust funded with the beneficiary's own assets, such as an inheritance, settlement, or back benefits. It must be created before age 65 and generally includes a Medicaid payback provision.

A trust funded with assets belonging to someone other than the beneficiary, such as a parent or grandparent. It has no Medicaid payback requirement and can be set up at any age.

A trust run by a nonprofit that combines assets from many people with disabilities into a single master trust, with separate subaccounts. It can serve beneficiaries of any age and often has a payback provision.

A requirement that, on the death of a trust beneficiary, remaining trust assets reimburse the state for Medicaid benefits paid. It applies to first-party special needs trusts and is absent from third-party trusts.

The requirement that a special needs trust exist only for the beneficiary's benefit, with no other person entitled to distributions. Violating it can cause the trust to be counted as an available resource.

Any asset a benefits program counts when deciding eligibility, such as cash, bank accounts, or real estate the person could use for support. Trust assets are excluded only if the trust meets program rules.

A tax-advantaged savings account for people whose disability began before age 26. Contributions are limited annually, earnings grow tax-deferred, and funds can pay for qualified disability expenses without affecting most benefit eligibility.

Spending categories permitted from an ABLE account, including education, housing, transportation, health, and assistive technology. They must relate to the beneficiary's disability and improve independence or quality of life.

A court-ordered arrangement in which a person is appointed to make decisions for someone found unable to do so. It can cover personal care, finances, or both, and removes legal rights from the person under guardianship.

An arrangement where a person with a disability keeps legal authority but chooses trusted supporters to help gather information and understand choices. It is a less restrictive alternative to guardianship.

A written document in which a person authorizes someone else to act on their behalf, either for finances or health care. It ends at death and typically requires the person to have capacity when signing.

A court appointment giving one person authority over another's financial affairs, often called a guardian of the estate. It may be used when a person cannot manage money but can still make personal decisions.

A trust created inside a will that takes effect at the grantor's death. Families often use a testamentary third-party special needs trust to provide for a child without disqualifying them from benefits.

A non-binding document describing a person's care preferences, routines, providers, and history for future caregivers. It accompanies legal and financial plans and guides trustees and successors.

Legislation that raised the age by which a disability must begin for ABLE account eligibility from 26 to 46. It expands access to tax-advantaged savings for more people with disabilities.

A structured projection of the services, equipment, housing, and support a person with a disability will need over their lifetime, with estimated costs. It is used in planning, insurance claims, and litigation.

An integrated plan coordinating income, benefits, insurance, savings, and legal documents for a family member with a disability. It balances current needs with long-term security across the person's lifetime.

A plan addressing what happens when the primary caregiver dies or can no longer provide care. It names successors, documents care instructions, and funds the transition to new arrangements.

The process of sequencing and combining public benefits, insurance, and private assets so they work together without one program reducing another. It considers income limits, resource tests, and work incentives.

An irrevocable trust that owns a life insurance policy so proceeds are excluded from the insured's estate and directed to a beneficiary. Families often pair it with a special needs trust for a child with a disability.

The amount of a person's estate that can pass free of federal estate tax. Properly structured special needs trusts and lifetime gifts can reduce exposure to that tax.

Two planning postures for families: building assets for a long horizon versus drawing them down to fund care. The choice affects trust funding, insurance needs, and benefit eligibility.