In this deeply informative episode, Ellen Nalven and Nancy Dilliplane of PLAN|NJ are joined by nationally recognized elder law attorney Tom Begley, Jr. and associate attorney Emily Schurr to explore the practical and emotional landscape of estate and financial planning for families with disabilities.

From the role of special needs trusts to the myths around disinheriting a child for the sake of public benefits, our guests share real-life examples, hard-earned legal wisdom, and compassionate advice for building a solid legacy of care. Whether you're just beginning your planning journey or need a gut check on your current approach, this episode offers invaluable guidance for safeguarding your loved one’s future.

In this essential episode of the PLAN|NJ podcast, Executive Director Ellen Nalven and Associate Executive Director Jason Miller explore how public benefits support individuals with significant disabilities.

Joined by special guests Crystal West Edwards, Esq., and Carla Ponn, a parent and PLAN|NJ board member, this robust conversation covers the real-life challenges and strategies families face when navigating support systems like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Carla shares her personal story of her son David’s journey from early intervention to group home placement, offering candid insights into the emotional and logistical hurdles of caregiving. Crystal complements this with expert advice, untangling the red tape around guardianship, benefits eligibility, tier classifications, and accessing support. This episode is a roadmap for planning, advocacy, and action with real-life experiences, expert guidance, and actionable tips, which is intended to empower families to plan with a person-centered approach, advocate effectively, and secure lifelong supports for their loved one.

Key Takeaways:

• Start Early: Begin benefit applications (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) at age 18 to ensure services by 21.

• Guardianship May Be Critical: Parents lose legal authority once a child turns 18—plan ahead.

• Plan for the Worst Day: When completing the NJCAT, base responses on an individual’s biggest challenges and challenging behaviors to ensure their proper tier classification.

• Medicaid vs. Medicare: Medicaid covers long-term services, such as group homes and daily living support, which are often not covered by private insurance or Medicare.

• Reassess if Needed: Tier classifications and service budgets can be reassessed if they don’t reflect actual needs.
• Advocacy Is Everything: Whether it’s coordinating care or managing benefits, persistence and support are key.

In Episode Seven of PLAN|NJ’s podcast series, host Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN|NJ, and co-host Jason Miller, Associate Executive Director, explore New Jersey’s mental health service system. Featuring Joyce Benz, Director of Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) at the Mental Health Association of Union County, and Michael, a community member sharing his lived experiences, this episode sheds light on accessible mental health resources for families and individuals. From navigating complex services to inspiring stories of recovery, join us for an insightful discussion on how we can build better mental health support networks across New Jersey.

In this episode, Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN New Jersey, and co-host Jason Miller, Associate Executive Director, welcome special guest Maria Fischer, Esq., a mother and attorney. Maria shares her personal journey of securing residential services for her daughter, Tracy, who has autism. With a deep understanding of guardianship and disability rights, Maria discusses the challenges and triumphs families face when navigating residential placements, highlighting the importance of early planning, individualized support, and the role of guardianship. Tune in for heartfelt insights and practical advice for families seeking residential services through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities.

In this episode of "Together We Plan", Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of PLAN|NJ, is joined by two remarkable leaders in the field of disability advocacy—LeDerick Horne, a spoken word poet, published author, and advocate for people with disabilities, and Hazeline Pilgrim, Executive Director of the Family Support Organization of Essex County. They dive into LeDerick’s journey as a person with a disability, his advocacy work, and the challenges and opportunities for creating more inclusive education and support systems. The conversation also touches on the barriers Black families face in accessing services and how systemic change can make a real difference.

In this episode of "Together We PLAN," hear of the complexities and possibilities for securing supportive housing for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the concept of supportive housing as a blend of affordability, safety, and essential services tailored to the needs of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or mental health challenges. Diane Riley, Executive Director of Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, shares insights into supportive housing models, the critical role of Medicaid in funding services, and the value of housing navigators in finding suitable living arrangements. This episode is vital listening for anyone involved in the disability community, offering expert advice, understanding of system navigation challenges, and a hopeful outlook on the future of housing support and advocacy. Co-host: Nicola Nero, Senior Service Coordinator and Housing Navigator, PLAN|NJ

Dive into the issues of guardianship, alternative legal protections, and supported decision-making in "Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making" featuring Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey. Joining her are distinguished guests: Nina Weiss, an attorney specializing in guardianship matters; Joe Young, former Executive Director of Disability Rights New Jersey and Vice President of PLAN|NJ’s  Board of Directors; and Liz Farishian, a nurse, President of PLAN|NJ's Board of Directors, and a parent of a daughter with disabilities. This episode is a must-listen for families and professionals alike, offering a deeper understanding of when guardianship is necessary, exploring less restrictive options, and advocating for the empowering practice of supported decision-making. Discover expert insights, legal advice, and a parent's heartfelt story in this enlightening discussion.

Episode 2, "Navigating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Families," unpacks the essential topics of Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts. Our guests Shirley Whitenack, Esq. and Elizabeth A. Farishian, RN, MA offer a deep dive into the tools’ importance, their practical applications, and the peace of mind they bring to families planning for the future. Shirley and Liz share their expert knowledge and personal stories, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively secure the future of their loved ones with disabilities. Key topics include preserving access to benefits and services, the role of life insurance policies, Medicaid payback rules, whether to name siblings as trustees, the role of a Trust Protector, qualifying for and utilizing an ABLE account, and much, much more. Co-host: Nancy Dilliplane, Senior Director, Trust Administration Services, PLAN|NJ

This episode features a compelling conversation with Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. The discussion delves into the nuances of advocating for loved one with disabilities, the complexities of the support system, and the crucial role of family and personal experiences in shaping advocacy efforts. Co-host: Hazeline Pilgrim, MSW, LSW, Executive Director, Family Support Council of Essex County.

Together We PLAN, hosted by Ellen Nalven, M.Ed., Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey (PLAN|NJ), is dedicated to advocating for and uplifting individuals with disabilities and their families. Episodes featuring disability rights advocates, family members, and legal experts, delve into the unique experiences of those living with disabilities.

Our series addresses critical topics like public benefits, supportive housing, guardianship, supported decision making and special needs trusts. We aim to illuminate the complex challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and provide families with practical strategies for care and future planning.

Together We PLAN is more than a podcast; it's a supportive community offering hope, guidance, and resources for families. This series serves as a comprehensive guide through the intricacies of lifetime assistance and future planning for loved ones with disabilities.

Join our meaningful conversations that not only celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities but also empower families with essential planning tools. Be part of this impactful movement with Together We PLAN.