Planning for the Future of a Child with a Disability
Planning for the future of a child with a disability is one of the most important responsibilities parents will ever face. Because life can be unpredictable, early and thoughtful planning helps ensure that a child with long-term support needs continues to receive proper care, stability, and protection — even when parents are no longer able to provide it themselves.
Many parents delay planning because the process feels overwhelming. However, postponing these decisions can lead to emotional strain and financial uncertainty later on. By planning early and in an organised way, parents gain peace of mind while creating a secure foundation for their child’s future.
Why Early Planning Matters
Children with disabilities often require ongoing care, supervision, or financial support well into adulthood. As a result, parents must consider what will happen if illness, incapacity, or death prevents them from continuing their caregiving role.
In particular, children with intellectual or cognitive disabilities may face greater challenges in managing finances or making complex decisions independently. Early planning helps ensure that their needs remain met while also protecting them from potential financial mismanagement or neglect. Furthermore, starting early can allow families to save more gradually over time, reducing financial pressure later.
Gather Essential Information First
Before creating a formal plan, parents should prepare key information. This includes the child’s personal details, medical history, treatment plans, and emergency contacts. It is also helpful to document daily routines, communication preferences, and care requirements.
While this information should remain secure, trusted caregivers or decision-makers must be able to access it when needed. Having everything organised makes future planning far more effective.
Define the Right Financial Provisions
Next, parents should clearly identify the level of financial support their child will need. Every person with a disability has different abilities, goals, and levels of independence. Therefore, planning should reflect the individual’s unique circumstances rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach.
Importantly, parents should avoid leaving assets directly to a child who may struggle to manage money. Instead, structured arrangements can protect funds while ensuring they are used solely for the child’s benefit.
Parent caring for a child with special needs, representing long-term planning and family support.
Avoid Placing the Burden on Siblings
Although siblings often want to help, parents should avoid relying entirely on them to provide care or financial support. Doing so can create emotional strain and long-term pressure within the family.
Instead, parents should make separate provisions for the child with a disability. This approach supports independence and helps preserve healthy family relationships over time.
Consider Setting Up a Trust
One effective option is establishing a trust for a child with a disability. A trust allows assets to be managed by appointed trustees who use the funds specifically for the child’s care, living expenses, and quality of life.
In Singapore, families can set up a trust through the Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC), a non-profit organisation supported by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. SNTC provides affordable trust services for persons with disabilities and offers subsidies of up to 100 per cent, making long-term planning more accessible to families.
Trusts work best when they hold liquid assets, which are easier to manage and distribute. Property ownership should usually focus on meeting housing needs rather than investment growth.
Complement Planning with CPF Arrangements
Parents may also use the Special Needs Savings Scheme (SNSS) to set aside Central Provident Fund savings for a child with a disability. Under this scheme, parents can nominate their child to receive regular payouts after their death. The CPF savings continue to earn interest, and no additional fees apply.
This option is particularly helpful for families with limited savings outside CPF.
Make a Will and Appoint Key Roles
A well-written will ensures that assets go to the right people in the right way. It can also appoint trustees, guardians for children under 18, and decision-makers for financial matters.
Parents should discuss these roles with the people they intend to appoint. Choosing trusted individuals who can commit long-term is essential.
Write a Letter of Intent
Finally, parents should prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI). Although not legally binding, this document provides invaluable guidance for future caregivers. It explains daily routines, medical needs, preferences, habits, relationships, and long-term hopes.
Because circumstances change, parents should review and update the LOI regularly.
A Living Plan for Peace of Mind
Planning for a child with a disability is not a one-time task. Instead, it is an ongoing process that evolves as the child grows and circumstances change. With careful preparation, families can ensure continuity of care, dignity, and security — long into the future. PRIME