The Connecting Point

Volume 2 Issue 17 March 22nd, 2005

In This ISSUE:
1) NewCCD Fact Sheets on Social Security
2) RRTC on Work Support Satellite Telecast: Social Security Disability Benefit Issues Affecting Transition-Aged Youth 
3) POPULATION IN STATE INSTITUTIONS ON A STEADY DECLINE, SAYS NEW STUDY From  AAMR F.Y.I.
4) Special Needs Trust Administration Manual: A Guide for Trustees

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1) New CCD Fact Sheets on Social Security - The CCD Task Force on Social Security has prepared a set of seven fact sheets on Social Security and people with disabilities.  The fact sheets are intended to assist people in understanding what benefits people with disabilities receive from Social Security and the potential impact of privatization.

Attached are PDF files for the seven fact sheets.  The first file is a cover sheet with basic information and background that goes with the fact sheets.  These are all available now on CCD's website ( http://www.c-c-d.org ) under "What's New in CCD" in both PDF format and Microsoft Word.   

2) RRTC on Work Support Satellite Telecast: Social Security Disability Benefit Issues Affecting Transition-Aged Youth  - April 13, 2005 -- 3:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern Time - http://worksupport.com/Topics/training.asp

The successful transition of students with disabilities from school to work and full community participation is rapidly gaining momentum as a major policy and program initiative for Federal, State and Local government agencies. As school systems work collaboratively with State VR agencies, community rehabilitation programs, one-stop career centers, and employers to facilitate transition from school to work, they quickly encounter the barrier posed by Social Security disability benefits. Students with significant disabilities and their families are understandably concerned about the effect that employment will have upon cash benefits like SSI or SSDI as well as Medicaid.
Fear of losing these critical benefits often prevents families and students from participating in community based employment programs during school. This telecast will focus on what school personnel, disability professionals, Benefits Specialists, and parents need to know about Social Security disability benefits for transition-aged youth and will provide specific instruction for using Social Security work incentives to promote employment, facilitate career planning, and enhance earnings capacity during and after secondary education. Presenters will offer strategies for preparing for and handling critical transitions within the Social Security benefits systems, with particular emphasis on issues surrounding the 18th birthday. Failure to consider Social Security benefits issues during transition planning is not just a missed opportunity. Harm can be caused when students and family members are not educated about nor prepared for the effect of earnings on cash benefits and medical insurance.
For more information, contact Roberta Martin, rsmartin@titan.vcu.edu (804) 827-0749

3) POPULATION IN STATE INSTITUTIONS ON A STEADY DECLINE, SAYS NEW STUDY From  AAMR F.Y.I. - A 2004 survey of developmental disability agencies and state institutions in the U.S. revealed a steady decline in residents, according to a new study published in the April issue of Mental Retardation . Read more at http://www.aamr.org/Reading_Room/pdf/LakinMarch05MR.pdf

4) Special Needs Trust Administration Manual: A Guide for Trustees - By Barbara D. Jackins, Esq., Richard S. Blank, Esq., Peter M. Macy, Esq., Harriet H. Onello, Esq., and Ken W. Shulman, Esq.                    
Published by People with Disabilities Press at iUniverse (2004):  $15.95
Contact: Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D.,
Series Editor
33 Pond Avenue #807
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 879-0397
stan@disabilitiesbooks.com

The Special Needs Trust Administration Manual : A Guide for Trustees is a valuable reference guide for anyone who is managing a special needs trust for a person with disabilities. In an uncomplicated, user-friendly way, it explains the rules that govern Special Needs Trusts and how those rules relate to the many complicated government benefit programs that assist people with disabilities.

The Manual is for laypersons, such as friends and family of a person with disabilities, and for professionals, including attorneys, financial planners, and social workers—anyone who is administering (or considering administering) a Special Needs Trust. It is concise, easy to use, and packed with helpful information.

In clear, easy to understand language, the authors (all attorneys experienced in guiding trustees through the complex rules of Special Needs Trusts) explain how a trustee can use trust funds to meet the medical, recreation, and transportation needs of a person with disabilities without risking the benefits of government programs such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Section 8 housing. The authors give useful advice and provide many concrete examples.   

The Manual is a practical reference book that answers common questions such as:

• What are my responsibilities to the disabled beneficiary?
• Can I spend money for a car, trip, or gift?
• Can I buy a house or condominium, and if so, who should own the property?
• What expenses can I safely pay without risking SSI benefits?
• How do I open a bank account?
• Does the trust need its own taxpayer identification number?
• What happens if I need to resign?

The Manual also explains trustee's bond, fees, record keeping, accounting requirements, and fiduciary and investment responsibilities.

To purchase the Manual, please go to: http://www.disabilitiesbooks.com/catalog-servechildren.htm

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