» Events

AANE Webinar: Introduction to Government Benefits and Special Needs Trusts, 8/14/24, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET

Event Type
Date
August 14, 2024
Time
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location
Price
Speaker
Time Commitment
Audience
Organizer
Description

Presented by Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN), this webinar gives attendees an opportunity to learn about government benefits and special needs trusts, and how those resources can help in planning for the future. Specifically, attendees will understand how funds in a special needs trust are administered with individual benefits in mind to avoid negatively affecting their eligibility for means-tested benefits while supporting quality of life. The presentation will review state-specific benefits for residents of MA and RI, but attendees from any US state are welcome to join.

Attendees will:

  1. Gain a deeper understanding of key government benefits and special needs trusts
  2. Learn how a special needs trust can supplement, not supplant public benefits
  3. Understand the responsibilities of a professional trustee
  4. Learn how PLAN offers social services support through its knowledgeable, experienced licensed social workers who serve as the primary liaison for beneficiaries and their families

PLAN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers special needs trusts to people of any age with any disability, helping to preserve their assets, protect their access to public benefits, and to live well. PLAN is AANE’s exclusive special needs trust partner.

Meet the Speakers

Kathy Vitello, LSW, Director of Operations, has been with PLAN since 2013. Prior to assuming the role of Director of Operations in February 2020, Kathy was Director of Beneficiary Services from 2018-2020 and has been a PLAN Service Coordinator since 2013. Kathy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mental Health from UMASS, Amherst and her Associate’s degree in Mental Health from Northern Essex Community College. Kathy is certified in Suicide Prevention in Older Adults, Mental Health and Aging from Institute for Geriatric Social Work, BU, and Thanatology (scientific study of death and dying).

Ellen Harnen, LICSW, CBIS, Service Coordinator Manager, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Ellen has worked extensively as a case manager providing services to adults living with neurological injuries and/or illness. Ellen earned a Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College in Boston. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.

Register now and watch this webinar live or later on demand.  See below for details.

This webinar will be recorded. If you are not available during the live presentation, registrants will receive the video link to access the recording of the presentation two business days after the session ends. Registrants can access the recorded presentation for 30 days.

Attendee Notice: By signing up for this webinar, you agree to have your name and email address shared with PLAN of MA & RI.

Audience

This webinar is designed for Autistic adults, their parents, other adult family members, and partners of these individuals. Professionals who support the autism community are also welcome. 

Registration

Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. Early registration is highly recommended as many programs fill quickly.

Financial Assistance

Event & Group Information

Codes of Conduct

Technical Support

Disclaimer

Stay Current

Subscribe for AANE weekly emails, monthly news, updates, and more!