FAQs & Documents
+Everything looks fine now, but how do we know that ACT for Life Services will be around when we are gone and our children really need the program? That the quality of the program will not change? That replacements will share the vision and passion of the current administration?
ACT for Life Services has established itself for the long term by providing outstanding leadership, a superior model of service, and a financial base that will enable it to carry on for many years.
While there are no guarantees in life, Life Services has set up many safeguards to ensure its perpetuity and quality:
The ACT for Life Services Board of Directors, a distinguished and experienced group of family members, business leaders, and human service professionals, is charged with the legal responsibility for making sure that all programs function at the current high standards of service. They regularly monitor the program for its quality and continuity.
ACT for Life Services is monitored by federal and state governing bodies and annually audited by an independent accounting firm. Detailed annual reports go to the Internal Revenue Service (990) and New York State Department of Charities (CHAR 500)
Via the required remainder funding upon the death of Third-Party Trust beneficiaries ACT for Life Services has accumulated the resources to financially sustain the program for many years
The ACT for Life Services program provides ample opportunities for families to build a long and trusting relationship with the agency staff. By Keeping Connected or Annual Membership programs, families monitor the program, suggest changes and, in time, find peace of mind regarding the future of the organization and their children.
By securing the use of a bank as Co-Trustee and Custodian of the Funds, ACT for Life Services has secured ongoing trust services in case Life Services is no longer in business. The trust funds are still in place and would be administered by the bank, assuring ongoing needs are met.
+Is an attorney necessary in an agreement between ACT for Life Services and our family estate?
This decision is up to each individual family. Per the trust agreements, we recommend that each family have counsel to review the trust arrangements with ACT for Life Services. As many families must update their Last Wills and Testaments to use a Life Services Trust – this could be part of that process.
+Is it a good idea to have our other children, or other family members, carry primary responsibility for our disabled son or daughter when the primary caregivers are gone?
Our experience over many years suggests that brothers and sisters are usually not the best people to carry the primary responsibility for a disabled family member. Often, family members find that their own circumstances change, they need to move to other parts of the country, or their own growing family responsibilities require full attention. Furthermore, many primary caregivers and siblings feel that it is an unfair burden to place on other children, and are pleased that ACT for Life Services offers an alternative arrangement. We have observed that changing a family member's role from brother or sister to caregiver often robs both individuals of the joy of the special familial relationship.
+Why is protecting the entitlements of government programs so important?
Government programs serving a person with a disability today include a variety of vital services, such as public housing, Medicaid, health coverage, SNAP (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income, and a choice of educational and work training programs. These programs can be worth far more than $100,000 a year to a person with a disability and are often the means to a satisfactory quality of life. They must be preserved and protected.
The entitlements for these programs often change. Therefore, their maintenance requires constant vigilance to make sure that the person with a disability receives all of the services to which they are entitled. Without knowledge of these programs, many individuals can lose their entitlements and have the quality of their lives diminished by this loss. ACT for Life Services places a high priority on keeping informed about government programs and ensuring their full utilization.
+Can my other children receive any financial benefit from this program?
No. The ACT for Life Services program is set up to benefit the family member with a disability only. Legal and regulatory responsibilities cannot be carried over to other non-handicapped children. Any funds placed in Trust with ACT for Life Services are for the sole benefit of the handicapped individual are for that individual alone.
+What happens if we set up a plan for our disabled daughter and she dies before we do?
ACT for Life Services will return the face amount of the contribution to the donor if the person with a disability dies before the primary caregiver(s). This amount is returned without interest since the interest earned would have been used to benefit the person with a disability. We have updated the Investment Policy, effective 1/1/2020 and it can be downloaded using the Life Services Investment Policy (PDF) button on this page.
+How can I be sure that my disabled son or daughter will live in suitable housing when I am no longer here?
Housing is the primary consideration in all planning. The ACT for Life Services staff have a good working knowledge of housing options for persons with disabilities in each community and are able to respond to changes when they occur. Individual living circumstances are constantly evaluated by the Personal Advocate and improved when necessary.
Aging families with aging adult children are encouraged to help find appropriate housing for their children while they are able to do so. Having the family involved in the selection of a housing arrangement helps the person with a disability make the adjustment to the new situation and gives the family some peace of mind.
+Can ACT for Life Services assist in developing an investment or insurance program to meet our needs?
ACT for Life Services does not sell insurance or recommend investment programs. References to reputable insurance brokers and companies, financial advisors and/or investment counselors who are familiar with the Life Services program are available, along with consultation with your existing financial advisor. We have no profit motive in its activities. Any recommendations are aimed at helping families create the assets they will need to participate in our program and Life Services does not receive any income from any referrals.
+What alternatives do I have in lifetime planning?
Most families with a handicapped family member have only two alternatives: (1) develop a lifetime care program within their own family or circle of friends or (2) enter the ACT for Life Services (or a similar) program. In the first instance, families will need to work with an attorney, financial advisor and person who can serve as a trustee or guardian to create a plan. This process is complex and expensive, especially for families with limited resources. We make the process easier, having already established workable financial, legal, and service programs. The ACT for Life Services structure and staff have proven effective; member families tell of their satisfaction and of the high level of comfort and security they enjoy. These families understand that a non-profit organization is the best choice for maintaining the highest quality of life for their loved ones when they are gone.
+How much does it take to start a program?
The minimum trust investment for the ACT for Life Services program is $20,000. Additional funding is strongly suggested for a more adequate advocacy program to benefit the person with a disability.
+Who can tell me if the ACT for Life Services programs are working well?
ACT for Life Services will provide you with contact information of current members. You are welcome to contact them to find out how the program is working for them or their disabled family member.
+What services does ACT for Life Services provide to a person with a disability if a trust is set up for him?
This varies greatly, based on what each family identifies as their desired services and details in the Planning Journal and Letter of Intent. This includes Advocacy, bill payments, rent, clothing, travel and entertainment.
+Can I obtain legal advice from ACT for Life Services?
We cannot provide legal advice (such as the preparation of legal documents); however, generally recommended and appropriate legal steps are reviewed as a part of the future planning process. When requested, ACT for Life Services will provide the names of lawyers familiar with the needs of the disabled and their families in selected areas of the country.
+How long does it take to open a trust account?
For people with an immediate need, this can typically be done very quickly. The following items are needed:
- Completed Joinder (1st Party Trust) or Sponsor Agreement (3rd Party Trust),
- Government Issued Picture ID and Social Security Card(s)of the trust fundors / beneficiary,
- Proof of qualify disability under the Social Security Administration rules, or the rules of the state of residence