Discover how well-meaning estate plans unintentionally destroy government benefit eligibility for special needs heirs and learn the critical strategies required to protect them.
Most estate plans are designed to protect loved ones and transfer wealth efficiently. However, when a beneficiary has a disability or relies on means-tested government benefits, traditional planning strategies can unintentionally create serious legal and financial consequences. Direct inheritances, beneficiary designations, retirement account distributions, gifts, settlements, and poorly drafted trusts can all jeopardize eligibility for critical public benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
This session examines the planning mistakes that can unintentionally harm beneficiaries with special needs and explores how practitioners can structure safer, more effective plans. Participants will consider the use of Special Needs Trusts, ABLE accounts, beneficiary designations, settlement planning, and lifetime gifting strategies to preserve both family wealth and public benefit eligibility
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Attorney | McInerney Law Firm
Jennifer "Jenny" McInerney is an attorney at McInerney Law Firm, where she helps families and small businesses navigate estate planning, special needs planning, elder law, and business matters. She is particularly passionate about helping families plan for the future, bringing both professional expertise and personal insight as the mother of two children with special needs. In addition to her legal practice, Jenny is deeply committed to community service, serving in leadership roles with numerous nonprofit organizations that support families, individuals with disabilities, and local initiatives.
