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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Plan?
Future Planning is meant to provide peace of mind for caregivers by ensuring that a loved one with a disability can have a stable and secure future to whatever extent possible. Caregivers can take control of the personal and financial future of their loved ones by exploring and understanding all options available.
- Giving a person with a disability the opportunity to receive tangible assets to ensure a better quality of life.
- Assisting with needs-based benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
- Ensuring quality of life by connecting them with appropriate support and services.
- Giving a person with a disability as much control as possible over their living situation.
- Making sure that persons with disabilities have CHOICE.
Who should be involved in the Planning?
At Future Care Planning Services we believe that the entire family and trusted friends can all be part of the process.
When should I call Future Care Planning Services?
Planning for a person with a disability should begin now, if you have not already started planning. Future Care Planning Services works with people with disabilities over the age of 18.
The following is a list of points in time when planning can be critical.
- At the time of a diagnosis of a long-term chronic disability
- At the onset of a serious illness for anyone in the family
- When a person with mental retardation or developmental disability turns 18
- When the person with a disability is awarded a malpractice or personal injury award from a lawsuit
- When the person with a disability is notified of a retroactive lump-sum payment from the Social Security Administration
- When a parent or spouse of the person with a disability becomes disabled or dies
How much does it cost?
We charge a nominal commitment fee of $250.00 for comprehensive planning and 2 years of follow-up.
How many meetings will I be required to attend?
Four.
- Meeting to discuss the program, talk about your specific concerns and the Completion of paperwork
- Letter of Intent Interview
- Intake Interview with our Planning Specialist
- Presentation of Plan and explanation of options
If you are pursuing a new 17A Guardianship:
Is applying for guardianship included in the cost?
Yes, guardianship is an OPTION that we help families explore. Should you decide to pursue a 17A Guardianship, you will be required to pay an additional $20 application fee for the court, $30 if you are modifying an existing guardianship.
How long does the planning process take?
Our goal is to complete the planning process within a 3-month time frame. However, the guardianship process often takes longer to complete.
How long does it take to get a guardianship in place?
It depends. It is a legal proceeding and all required components must be in place before the application can be submitted to the court. Once the court accepts all the documents, a proceeding date is assigned within a few weeks. It takes several weeks from the date of the hearing before the family receives the Letters of guardianship.
