06/17/2025
Planning for Disabled Dependents — A Guide for Families, Caregivers & Professionals
When you have a loved one with a disability, planning for their financial security and long-term wellbeing isn’t just a task — it’s a lifetime mission filled with emotional, legal, and financial complexities.
As a financial advisor specializing in life insurance, investment planning, and estate strategies across Alberta, BC, and Ontario, I often get asked one pressing question:
“What happens to my disabled child or dependent when I’m no longer here to care for them?”
This is where careful planning becomes essential — not only to ensure access to essential support like AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), but also to take advantage of powerful tools like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and tailored Trusts, all while minimizing risk and maximizing dignity.
Let’s break it down for families, caregivers, and professionals in Alberta.
1. Understanding the Big Picture: The Financial Vulnerability of Disabled Dependents
Many disabled Albertans rely heavily on government support to live with some measure of independence. Without planning, your loved one may:
• Lose eligibility for AISH benefits
• Be unable to manage lump-sum inheritances
• Be financially exploited or neglected
• Suffering due to inadequate medical or housing arrangements
That’s why financial planning for disabled dependents is not about wealth. It’s about security, structure, and sustainability.
2. AISH: The Backbone of Income Support in Alberta
AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) provides monthly financial assistance to adults (18+) with a permanent disability that substantially limits their ability to earn a living.
Key 2025 AISH Benefits:
• Monthly living allowance: Up to $1,787
• Health benefits: Prescription drugs, dental, vision, emergency ambulance, etc.
• Possible child and partner benefits
Important Considerations:
• AISH is income- and asset-tested
• A disabled person can lose AISH if they receive a large inheritance or direct financial gifts
• RRSPs, RESPs, and personal assets are counted against AISH eligibility unless properly structured
Strategy Tip: Do not leave an inheritance directly in your child’s name. Use a Henson Trust (more on that below) to protect their benefits.
3. RDSP: The Most Underutilized Wealth Tool in Canada
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a game-changer — yet shockingly underused.
If your loved one qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), they may be eligible for an RDSP — and it doesn’t affect their AISH benefits.
RDSP Highlights:
• Tax-deferred growth
• Up to $70,000 in government grants
• Contributions are not tax-deductible but grow tax-free
• Withdrawals don’t impact AISH eligibility if structured correctly
Pro Tip: Even if the family can’t contribute much, the Canada Disability Savings Grant can match up to 300% of contributions — making it a powerful tool even for low-income households.
Family Insight: Many of my clients worry that they won’t live long enough to fund the RDSP fully. That’s where insurance-funded RDSP planning can make a significant difference. A well-structured policy can ensure continued funding after your passing.
4. Henson Trusts: Protecting Benefits, Preserving Dignity
One of the most important estate tools for families with a disabled dependent is the Henson Trust.
What Is a Henson Trust?
A Henson Trust is a discretionary trust where the beneficiary (the disabled dependent) has no control over the assets, and therefore, these assets do not count toward AISH or other means-tested benefit limits.
How It Works:
• You name a trustee to manage the funds on behalf of your loved one
• Funds can be used for extra expenses — like travel, clothing, therapies, hobbies, or better housing — without reducing their AISH
• Trust can be funded through your will or life insurance
Caution: Not every lawyer is familiar with the nuances of Henson Trusts in Alberta. Work with an experienced estate planner who understands the intersection of provincial disability law and federal tax rules.
5. Life Insurance: Funding Trust & the Future
I often tell families: your life insurance isn’t for you — it’s for the life your dependent will need when you’re gone.
A permanent life insurance policy (like Whole Life or Universal Life) can:
• Fund a Henson Trust tax-free upon your death
• Be creditor-protected
• Grow cash value you can access during your lifetime
Design Tip: Name the trust (not the individual) as the beneficiary of the insurance policy. This ensures the money goes where it’s supposed to — without disqualifying your dependent from benefits.
6. Wills, POAs, and Guardianship: The Paperwork You Can’t Afford to Skip
It’s heartbreaking how many families ignore this part until it’s too late.
You need:
• A Will that includes instructions for the Henson Trust and any guardianship arrangements
• A Power of Attorney (POA) to designate someone to handle financial decisions if you’re incapacitated
• A Personal Directive (in Alberta) to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions
For a child with lifelong disability needs, consider setting up a Supported Decision-Making Authorization or Guardianship/Trusteeship Order under Alberta law, especially if they cannot legally manage their own affairs.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are five mistakes I see far too often in my practice:
Leaving money directly to a disabled child
Not applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Naming the disabled person as beneficiary on RRSPs, insurance, or pensions
Waiting too long to talk to a lawyer or advisor
Thinking “I don’t have enough money to need a plan”
Remember: This isn’t about wealth. It’s about dignity, protection, and continuity.
8. The Planning Process – How I Help Families
At SMJ Wealth, I follow a step-by-step process that helps families plan with confidence:
1. Discovery & Goals Meeting – We clarify your child’s needs, your financial resources, and your long-term vision.
2. Benefit Analysis – Review eligibility for AISH, DTC, RDSP, and provincial supports.
3. Legal & Estate Collaboration – Coordinate with your lawyer to draft a will, POAs, and Henson Trust structure.
4. Insurance & Investment Strategy – Design solutions that protect your family’s future while leveraging government programs.
5. Ongoing Support – Planning is not a one-time event. I offer check-ins, reviews, and beneficiary updates as your family evolves.
9. Why This Work Matters to Me
As a financial advisor and a parent, I understand the weight of planning for someone you love deeply who may never be able to fully care for themselves.
This is not just financial planning — this is life planning, and it matters.
I’ve helped families across Alberta (and beyond) create peace of mind — not just with numbers and policies, but with a plan that reflects love, foresight, and compassion.
10. Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Care, Not Just Capital
If you have a disabled child or dependent, don’t wait until a crisis hits to start planning.
Get the Disability Tax Credit
Open and fund an RDSP
Draft a Will and Henson Trust
Use life insurance to guarantee funding
Work with a specialist who understands the system
Let’s Talk
If you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional supporting someone with a disability, I invite you to connect through social media or contact me through my information below.
You can learn more about my work at www.SMJWealth.com
I’ll help you build a plan that protects what matters most — even when you’re no longer around to protect them yourself.
Vishal Vashisht (B.Sc.)
Insurance & Investment Advisor
SMJ Wealth, Calgary, AB
Licensed in Alberta, BC & Ontario
[email protected]
[email protected]
403-383-0582
www.SMJWealth.com
Disclaimers - Mutual Funds, ETFs, Exempt Market products, and Liquid Alternatives are distributed and regulated through Global Maxfin Investments Inc. Insurance-related products are distributed and regulated through Global Insurance Solutions Inc and SKD MG INC. (Registered and Approved trade name SMJ Wealth). Any articles which appear to discuss topics on “Financial Planning” should not be construed as advice. Only Mutual Funds services are offered and regulated through Global Maxfin Investments Inc.