Practical Things to Consider Before Passing Ownership of a Home to Your Child with Special Needs

Leaving a home to your child with special needs can be an act of love and protection, but it comes with real-world responsibilities and risks. Before deciding whether to transfer title outright, whether in their name or in trust, here are a few practical things to consider beyond the legal and benefits issues:

1. Capacity to Manage a Home

• Can your child live independently?
  • Do they have the ability to handle day-to-day tasks like:
  • Meal prep, hygiene, and taking medications
  • Chores and housekeeping services
  • Using home appliances (daily and seasonal appliances)
  • Coordinating repairs and maintenance
  • Paying bills and taxes
  • Communicating with utility companies and service providers
  • Responding appropriately to emergencies (fire, flooding, medical issues)?
• If the answer is no, not yet, or not without support, is there a willing and reliable support system that can be put in place?

2. Financial Resources

• Can your child afford to maintain the home?
  • Property taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, upkeep.
• If your child is on fixed income or Social Security benefits, ownership of the home may not be the issue — affording the costs of homeownership is.

Can your estate or a trust afford to pay for these costs and maintain a high quality standard of living?

Ask: Would your child’s benefits or trust be enough to sustain the home for years to come? Or would it make more sense selling the home and using the proceeds to fund a Special Needs Trust to support an alternative living arrangement?

3. Location & Accessibility

• Is the home:
  • Physically accessible for their needs?
    • Single-story, ramps, wide doorways, bathroom modifications?
  • In a safe neighborhood with supportive neighbors?
  • Easily accessible to:
    • A grocery store and other basic amenities
    • Friends and family
    • Social and religious activities
    • Employment opportunities
    • Healthcare providers
    • Social services or community programs
  • Have local transportation options
• If not, you may need to renovate the home or consider a different property that’s more appropriate for long-term independent living.

When “Home” Becomes Overwhelming

If coordinating these services and expenses feels like too heavy a lift, selling the property and gifting the cash may be the wiser choice. Liquidity offers flexibility:

• Your child can rent a home that better fits their needs without the burdens of upkeep.
• Liquid assets can be professionally managed, with distributions timed to supplement care and living costs.

What Makes the Most Sense for Your Family?

• Does your child benefit most from the stability of a forever-home, or from flexible cash resources?
• Do you have a care team—family, friends, neighbors, case managers, financial advisor, attorney, trustee—aligned around your goals?
• Does your child, and the support team, want to take on these responsibilities, or would they prefer an alternative plan?

There’s no right answer for every situation, but thoughtful planning today can ensure your loved one enjoys a safe, fulfilling life tomorrow. At Van Hulzen, we specialize in crafting multi-disciplinary financial strategies to help families navigate these decisions with confidence.

Ready to explore the best path for your family?

If you’d like to make sure your plan reflects what matters most, let's review your plan together—so you can pass on your home with confidence and peace of mind.

*The foregoing content reflects the opinions of Van Hulzen Asset Management DBA "Van Hulzen Financial Advisors" and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.