Clancy & Associates

05/29/2026

Many parents and grandparents open UTMA accounts with the best intentions: helping a child save for the future.

But for children with disabilities, these accounts can create major problems later, especially when SSI and Medicaid benefits are involved.

One of the hardest parts is that many families do not discover the issue until the child turns 21 and the account suddenly counts against benefit limits.

If your child has an UTMA account, or a family member is thinking about opening one, this is something worth learning about early. There may be solutions, but planning ahead can make a huge difference.

Attorney Katie Clancy wrote a new article explaining why UTMA accounts can become problematic for individuals with disabilities and what families should know moving forward.

Learn more about what Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) is, and why these accounts can be problematic.

05/27/2026

One newsletter. A lot of important conversations for special needs families.

This month, Clancy & Associates is sharing practical guidance on UTMA accounts, SSI and Medicaid concerns, upcoming planning events, transition resources, and support for families preparing for the future.

If you are raising or supporting a loved one with disabilities, this one is worth a read.

Read the latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/clancyassociates/april-100321?e=3138f5b533

Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts are popular, inexpensive tools for gifting assets to children. Grandparents, parents, and other relatives often use them to set aside money for education or future needs without the expense of a formal trust. But for our clients with disabilities, UTMA...

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives while serving our country.

Their sacrifice is the reason we enjoy the freedoms and opportunities we often take for granted every day.

We also remember the families who carry that loss with them long after the service ends. Thank you.

05/22/2026

When a loved one has a Special Needs Trust, families often want to help in any way they can.

But two common mistakes can put important benefits at risk:

Giving cash, checks, or gift cards directly
Paying rent or housing costs without understanding the SSI rules

These choices are usually made with love, but they may reduce or jeopardize benefits like SSI or Medicaid.

Before giving money or covering housing costs, it is important to understand the rules and make a plan. A little guidance can help families support their loved one without creating unintended problems.

05/21/2026

For many families, the answer is yes, but it needs to be planned carefully.

Leaving money directly to a child with a disability can unintentionally put important benefits at risk. A Special Needs Trust can help families set aside assets for their child’s future while helping preserve eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI and Medicaid.

The trust can help pay for things government benefits may not cover, including education, recreation, medical expenses, living expenses, and other quality-of-life supports.

Planning ahead can make a meaningful difference in your child’s future.

05/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who made Day of Connections such a meaningful event.

We were grateful for the opportunity to share resources, connect with families, and present on planning tools that can help support a child’s future.

It was wonderful to see 59 families come together to learn, ask questions, and build community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and joined the presentation.

05/16/2026

We are so grateful for kind words like this:

“Clancy & Associates TOTALLY exceeded my expectations! From the very beginning, Katie Clancy, Heather Geils, and Cathy Draeger were simply the best! Katie and her team listened to all my concerns and executed a compassionate customized approach to my estate plan. They are personable, honest, responsive, and caring.”

Thank you to the families who trust Clancy & Associates with such important planning. We are honored to support you.

05/14/2026

Planning for your child’s future can feel overwhelming, especially as they approach adulthood.

Join us on May 21 at 6:30 PM for Legal Planning for the Special Needs Family.

Jennifer Sabourin, a special needs planning attorney and parent of a child with special needs, will share practical guidance on decision-making, special needs trusts, and other important tools families should understand.

This is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and take the next step in planning with confidence.

05/13/2026

Driving is a huge step toward independence, but for individuals with autism, it can also come with unique challenges.

Programs like the Blue Envelope and optional ID designations are helping make interactions with law enforcement safer and less stressful for families. Awareness and preparation can go a long way.

Read the full article here: https://clancyassociates.com/drivers-license-designations-for-individuals-with-autism/

Learn more about how some states allow drivers to add a note or symbol to their driver’s license or ID to show that they have ASD.

05/07/2026

When families begin planning, they are often thinking far beyond today.

The goal is long-term protection, peace of mind, and knowing important decisions have been handled with care for the future.