Health Care Proxies and Power of Attorney are Estate Planning tools in New York State that can help ensure your wishes are met when you are no longer able to communicate them. However, there are some basic differences between the two documents that you need to understand in order to make the right choices, and avoid future disputes and complications.

Special benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, help people with disabilities manage their long-term care needs. However, eligibility for these benefits are contingent on the individual’s income and assets, which can change as a result of a settlement or inheritance. That’s one of the primary issues Special Needs Trusts are intended to help remedy.

It’s necessary to plan ahead to relieve your family and loved ones of the burden of having to do it for you while they are grieving. Some basic understanding of the legal documents and processes available and a good lawyer can put any fears or concerns to rest.