SACRAMENTO ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL

January Meeting
Public Benefits Planning for People with Disabilities: 2026 Updates & Strategic Tools

Speaker
Stacy Turner - Turner Law Offices

Summary
In 2026, California estate planners face a transformed landscape for special needs planning. After a year without asset limits, Medi-Cal asset restrictions return on January 1st—but at significantly higher thresholds.

Simultaneously, ABLE account eligibility expands to age 46, and contribution limits increase. These changes create both complexity and opportunity for families planning to protect assets while preserving government benefits for loved ones with disabilities.

This presentation updates attendees on critical legal and regulatory changes affecting special needs planning in 2026, including:

• Medi-Cal Asset Limit Reinstatement (January 1, 2026): What the $130,000 individual / $195,000 couple limits mean for current beneficiaries and new applicants—and how to plan around them
• 2026 COLA Adjustments: Updated SSI benefit amounts, income thresholds, and Substantial Gainful Activity limits
• ABLE Account Expansion: How age 26→46 eligibility and increased contribution limits ($19,000 plus work credit) change the planning toolkit
• Coordinating Multiple Planning Tools: How third-party special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and structured distributions work together to maximize asset protection and preserve benefits
• New California Legislation: AB 2397 (child support into SNTs) and other recent changes affecting special needs planning

Attendees will learn how to layer these tools strategically, navigate the reinstated asset limits, and help families preserve both their assets and their loved ones' government benefits eligibility. The presentation emphasizes person-centered planning that honors family values and relationships, recognizing that effective special needs planning requires both the "hard tools" of legal documents and the "soft tools" of values conversations and family meetings.

This presentation is designed for estate planning attorneys, elder law attorneys, and other professionals working with families raising or supporting individuals with disabilities.

Menu
Salad
CRANBERRY WALNUT SALAD (VG) | mixed greens, house dressing, cranberries, walnuts

Entrees
BONELESS BRAISED SHORT RIB (GF) | cheesy polenta, seasonal squash, chives and pan sauce
PAN SEARED HALIBUT (GF) | pommes puree, garlic hericot vert, beurre blanc sauce
CHILI BROILED TOFU (V)(GF) | stir fried vegetables

Dessert
LEMON TART LEMON TART | toasted meringue

Agenda
Registration | Cocktails: 5:00 p.m.
Meeting | Dinner: 5:45 p.m.
Presentation: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cost to Attend
SEPC Member:  $115
NonMember: $145
Registration closes on Tuesday, January 20.  No refunds after January 20.

For More Information
Contact: Raquel Altavilla
Phone: 916.715.5939
Email: admin@sacepc.org

Please note there is 1 hour of MCLE credit pending. 

Nonmembers who wish to attend this program, contact Raquel Altavilla at admin@sacepc.org who can assist you with registering.

Registration closes on Tuesday, January 20.  No refunds after January 20.