Monmouth County Special Needs Trust Attorney Christine Matus Explains IEP and 504 Eligibility in New Jersey

Monmouth County special needs trusts attorney Christine Matus releases a new article (https://matuslaw.com/understanding-iep-504-eligibility-new-jersey/) explaining IEP and 504 eligibility in New Jersey. The lawyer mentions that individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans offer many of the same types of services for children with learning and attention issues. However, they are different in a few important ways.

“In many situations, a student may qualify for a 504 plan, but not an IEP. An IEP is generally a bit more focused than a 504 plan, but both programs can be extremely beneficial for students. IEP plans are based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),” says the Monmouth County special needs trusts attorney.

The lawyer explains that there are two requirements for children to be eligible for an IEP Plan. The first is that the child has one of the 13 listed disabilities and the second is that the disability affects the child’s performance at school or his or her ability to learn without specialized instruction.

Attorney Christine Matus mentions that Section 504 Plans are broader in comparison to IEP plans. 504 Plans cover any disability whether or not it is on the specified list in the IDEA. However, the impairment must substantially limit one or more primary life activities including learning. A 504 Plan will only be in effect for children in grades K through 12.

In the article, attorney Matus says that in comparison to the 504 Plans, IEP can be in place as early as three years old and as late as 21 years old. Both 504 Plans and IEP are offered completely free to eligible students in New Jersey.

According to the estate planning attorney, “In New Jersey, school districts are required to set up their own policies and procedures to evaluate children to determine whether they need special education or related services due to a disability. Teachers and administrators are required under Section 504 to provide an individualized assessment for a child before he or she is presented with specialized education or assistance.”

Lastly, attorney Christine Matus encourages families to seek the help of an experienced estate lawyer. Having a skilled estate lawyer may be able to help protect the estate and wealth the client has worked so hard for. It may also be able to protect the future of the client’s children.

About The Matus Law Group

The Matus Law Group has a team of estate attorneys who are committed to helping families and individuals in real estate transactions in New Jersey and New York. Through a team approach, they work hard to help their clients with their estate planning needs. Call The Matus Law Group today at (732) 785-4453.

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