We established our Pro Bono Supplemental Needs Planning Program to provide free, simplified supplemental needs and estate planning for families of modest means that have children with special needs.

Individuals with disabilities have a lifetime of needs for which their parents and other loved ones wish to provide. However, leaving an inheritance outright to a child with a disability or to a typical health and support trust for the child’s benefit might jeopardize the child’s ability to access Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), two important public benefit programs for individuals with disabilities. The goal of supplemental needs planning is to make assets available to enrich the quality of life of an individual with disabilities, above and beyond what public benefit programs might provide for that person (generally food, shelter, medical care, and nursing care). Such planning typically involves the creation of a special type of trust, called a “supplemental needs trust” or “SNT,” to hold assets for the benefit of a child with disabilities. When properly drafted and funded, an SNT will be available to provide for the child’s many needs that exceed the core essentials intended to be covered by public benefits, without jeopardizing the child’s access to those programs.

To be most effective, a child’s SNT should be part of a broader, coordinated estate plan of the parents that includes a will and powers of attorney.

The program begins with an in-depth presentation on supplemental needs and estate planning for families with children that have special needs. After the presentation, eligible attendees may choose to participate in the program’s next stage: the creation of coordinated estate planning documents, including a supplemental needs trust for the child with special needs.

To do so, participants first complete an online intake form to provide asset and family information and to specify their planning choices, such as the selection of trustees and the determination of how their assets will be distributed at death. They then consult with one of our attorneys by phone to confirm their selections and discuss any questions they might have. Finally, participants meet with an attorney in our office to review and sign their estate planning documents.

Although we wish the program could serve every family with a child that has special needs, in order to meet the program’s mission and serve many families throughout the year with the program’s available resources, we have established a number of initial eligibility limitations.

There is no charge to participate in the program.

Please follow our Steps to Participate to register (or, if registration is not yet open, to register to be notified once it opens). Note that the presentation is limited to 12 families, based on order of registration.

“We are so thankful we got into the Rivkin & Rivkin pro bono special needs planning program. We heard there was lots of legalities to abide by when forming a special needs will and trust, so we are glad they were there to guide us through the process with their years of expertise and experience. Everyone was so kind, generous, helpful, knowledgeable. The program was like a well-oiled machine – so thorough and planned out. We appreciate everything they did for our family. Their expertise and assistance was invaluable!”

K.J., Grayslake

“Just the thought of starting the process was very scary but Rivkin & Rivkin associates were very kind and guided you the whole way through.”

B.H., Aurora

“Given the work, service and professionalism we received from everyone, it felt as though we were paying clients. Having a child with special needs has many unique challenges, which includes financial ones. Thank you to everyone at Rivkin & Rivkin Pro Bono for your care towards families like ours.”

P.P., Glenview

“I feel grateful for the Pro Bono Supplemental Needs Planning Program offered to plan for my daughter’s future. The process is well organized, and the information is communicated clearly. The staff made me feel welcome and were friendly as I learned details related to creating a special needs trust. The generosity offered by Rivkin & Rivkin has certainly made a difference for my family! Thank You!!”

L.R., Geneva