Estate Planning for Disabled Beneficiaries

Many parents and grandparents fear for the future financial well-being of their disabled child or grandchild after they are gone. There are many practical, tax, and disability benefit considerations that must be contemplated when designing an estate plan that includes a disabled

 Proper planning will ensure that persons with disabilities remain eligible to receive provincial disability assistance while at the same time providing financial supports to assist with incapacity issues and also address any potential risks of susceptibility and undue influence.

 There are various advance planning options available, such as:

• Direct ownership of assets by a disabled person (for example, purchase a principal residence or vehicle for the disabled beneficiary?)

• Trusts that benefit a disabled person;

• Registered Disability Savings Plans (“RDSP”)

• RRSP/RRIF Rollovers;

• life insurance; and

• a combination of the above.