Learning Center

In this section we will review the key components involved with special needs planning.  Already have a plan in place?  Take this quiz to help you determine if you have planned adequately.  Don't worry, you won't be graded!  Here you will learn about naming a legal guardian and planning for your dependent's financial, medical and educational needs.  Also take the opportunity to look at some interesting newsletter articles from our national partner, MetDESK.

• Planning Quiz - How well have you planned for your dependent's future?
• Special Needs Information - Learn about important topics such as wills, trusts, guardianship, SSI, IEPs, Medicaid and more.
• MetDESK Special Needs Calculator - When Funding A Special Needs Trust:  How Much is Enough?  Use our calculator to find out. 
• Newsletters - National articles of interest and importance to your family on topics like UCP's Life Without Limits, Recognizing Key Tax Deductions and more.

Planning Quiz:                 

How well have you planned for your dependent’s future?

Take this quiz!

1. Do you or your spouse have a vision of how your dependent will live if both of you are not around? 
   
2. Have you identified a guardian, conservator, or trustee for your dependent? 
   
3. Do you have a complete understanding of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) government benefits?
   
4. Have you begun setting aside money for your dependent with special needs?
   
5. Do you have a written Letter of Intent?
   
6. Have any of your dependents, with or without special needs, been excluded in your will?
   
7. Do you have a special needs or supplementary trust set up to preserve government benefits?
   
8. Have you made provisions to fund these trusts with assets or insurance?
   
9. Have you coordinated your special needs planning with other relatives?
   
10. Have you done everything possible to protect your dependent's financial future?
    
11. Have you planned where your special needs dependent will live if you are not around?
    
12. Will your dependent be able to earn enough to care for him or herself?
    
13. Will your dependent have adequate health insurance? 

If you are concerned with any of your answers to these questions, please feel free to contact us via email at CSNP@metlife.com or phone at (860) 258-3863 or (203) 513-6046 and we would be more than happy to discuss your concerns with you.     

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Special Needs Information

• Last Will and Testament  How a will can play a vital role in your dependent's future.     
• Guardianships and Conservatorships  Will your dependetn need a guardian after he/she turns 18?
• Special Needs Trusts  How a special needs trust protect your dependent.
• Planning for Financial Needs  Ensuring your dependent has sufficient financial resources to meet his/her needs in the future.
• Finding Financial Aid  Where to find financial relief for your family.
• Planning for Medical Needs  Make the most of your medical insurance and get much needed benefits paid. 
• Planning for Educational Needs  Getting your dependent the best education possible. 
• Individualized Education Program (IEP)  Your rights and responsibilities in your dependent's IEP. 
• Special Needs Issues in the News  Americans with Disabilities Act and SSI Law changes affecting special needs planning.
• State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services  All things DDS including programs and services, forms and regional information.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  Understanding and applying for Supplemental Security Income.  
• Medicaid   The basics on Connecticut's Medicaid Programs. 

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MetDESK^® Newsletters

Sept-Oct 2009 Issue  "The Importance of Special Needs Planning"

Jul-Aug 2009 Issue  "What Grandparents Can Do to Help Their Adult Child Who Has a Special Needs Child"

May-Jun 2009 Issue  "In The Public Eye - Prenatal Testing for Down Syndrome" Part 2

Mar-Apr 2009 Issue  "In The Public Eye - Prenatal Testing for Down Syndrome"

Jan-Feb 2009 Issue  "Realizing Your Child's Potential"

Nov-Dec 2008 Issue  "Recognizing Some Key Medical Tax Deductions for Parents of Children with Special Needs"

Sept-Oct 2008 Issue  "The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance"

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