Lack of planning can jeopardize a special needs child’s eligibility to receive means-tested government disability and health benefits. The federal government provides Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people who are 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled, who have low incomes and minimal resources. Applicants must meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of disabled, earn little or no income and have available assets of less than $2,000 to qualify. The agency excludes the value of a primary residence, a vehicle, personal furnishings and other assets (such as a burial plan of less than $1,500 or up to $1,500 of cash surrender value in a permanent life insurance policy) when determining “available assets.”