FUTURE PLANNING

FUTURE PLANNING

Future planning can help guide a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead a good life as independently as possible. A plan is important throughout all stages of life, but especially in the future after a parent or caregiver is no longer able to provide support.

Future Planning Options:

1. The Arc’s Center for Future Planning: www.futureplanning.thearc.org

2. ABZ Special Needs Planning: Mary McDirmid from ABZ Special Needs Planning is a parent of a child with developmental disabilities and relates to the parents The Arc serves. Mary is a wealth of information and can assist you in your future planning process.

   To schedule a consultation, click here.

   Email: mmcdirmid@financialguide.com

   Phone: (509) 842-5732

3. Northwest Access Fund provides funding to help people with IDD in Washington and Oregon purchase assistive technology to achieve greater independence and lead full and productive lives. Their programs focus on asset-building tools such as low-interest loans and Individual Development Accounts. They also provide free financial coaching for people with disabilities.

   Website: www.nwaccessfund.org

   Email: info@nwaccessfund.org

   Phone: (206) 328-5126

MY LIFE PLAN

My Life Plan is a person-centered planning tool that can help to stimulate ideas, visions, and goals for a meaningful life. This tool can be shared with teachers at an IEP meeting, family members, or with friends trying to get to know you.

PCP Link: http://mylifeplan.guide/

REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE SERVICES

A representative payee is an organization appointed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive Social Security and/or SSI benefits for someone who cannot manage their own money. The main responsibilities of a payee are to use the benefits to pay for the housing, electricity, utilities, food, and medical needs of the client as well as establish a monthly savings plan. Payees also provide financial counseling and training on money management. The Arc of Spokane is a representative payee, and can be reached at:

The Arc of Spokane
320 E 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99202

Website: www.arc-spokane.org/representative-payee-services
Phone: (509) 328-6326
Email: tthompson@arc-spokane.org

ABLE SAVINGS PLANS

ABLE Savings Plans allow people with disabilities to save for their every day needs, invest in a tax-free account, and prepare for the future without losing their state or federal benefits. The $2,000 resource limit impacts people’s quality of life and access to essential services. An ABLE account often provides more choice and control for the beneficiary and family than a special needs trust. Individuals can make direct contributions, and family/friends can also easily contribute to ABLE accounts.

Website: www.washingtonstateable.com
Phone (Mon-Fri, 6 AM - 5 PM): 1-844-600-2253

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (ETF) is administered by The Arc of Washington State and overseen by a governor-appointed board that includes family members of individuals with IDD. ETF removes the challenge of establishing a special needs trust and puts affordability back into the equation for investing in the future.

Website: www.ddetf.wa.gov
Phone: 1-888-754-8798 ext. 1

The complete steps and mailing address to deliver ETF packets: www.ddetf.wa.gov/process.
Forms for Trust 1 and Trust 2: www.ddetf.wa.gov/forms.

If you need assistance with the completion of these documents or forms, The Arc of Washington State is available to help you over the phone or you can make an appointment to visit their Olympia office. You can reach them at 1-888-754-8798.

PLAN TO WORK

If you receive Social Security disability benefits, Plan to Work can help you understand how working will affect your cash and/or medical benefits as well as other state-specific benefits. They will assist you in developing an Individualized Work Incentive Plan, which allows you to make informed decisions. Plan to Work is provided through Community-Minded Enterprises.

Plan to Work
222 W Mission Ave. Ste 120
Spokane, WA 99201

Website: www.plantowork.org or www.community-minded.org/services/plan-to-work
Phone: 1-866-497-9443
Email: info@community-minded.org

MODEST NEEDS

Modest Needs is a non-profit organization that provides short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in temporary crisis who because they are working and live just above the poverty level, are ineligible for most types of conventional social assistance but who (like many of us) are living one or two lost paychecks away from the kind of financial catastrophe that eventually leads to homelessness. Modest Needs do not give cash directly to the persons who apply for help; rather, Modest Needs assist the person who has requested help by remitting payment directly to the vendor or creditor named in the applicant’s documentation.

Complete the application here: https://www.modestneeds.org/for-applicants/apply-for-help.asp

THE RESOURCE CENTER OF SPOKANE COUNTY

The Resource Center of Spokane County provides resources and support to help ensure that all aspects of a person’s personal and professional life are addressed in order to increase their opportunities. Just some of the services they provide include: free cell phone programs; low-cost internet service and computer equipment; energy assistance; SSI and SSDI assistance; Financial Literacy, Responsible Renters, and First-Time Home Buyers classes; Substance-Use Disorder and mental health assessments and referrals; counseling referrals; assistance in signing up for State medical insurance; and work readiness programs.

Website: https://spokaneresourcecenter.org/
Location: 130 S. Arthur 2nd Floor, Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: (509) 867-8188
Email: info@spokaneresourcecenter.org

ELEVATIONS

Elevations is a children’s therapy resource foundation. They assist families of children with special needs in accessing the resources and supports they need to improve their family’s overall quality of life.

Website: https://elevationsspokane.org/
Location: 325 S. University Road Ste. 203 Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Phone: (509) 385-2116
Apply for help here: https://elevationsspokane.org/apply-for-help/

BEN’S FUND

Ben’s Fund provides funds to families in need in Washington State to help cover costs associated with medical bills, therapies, technology, camps, equipment, safety and security, and numerous other aspects of supporting a child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Applicants can request a yearly grant to help cover the costs of getting the care, support, and items they need. Along with financial support, Ben’s Fund has created a community of encouragement, hope, awareness, and understanding.

Website: https://www.bensfund.org/