MetLife Survey: Gaps Remain in Special Needs Planning

Caregivers are also less likely to use a single source for financial information than they are for medical or educational information. This finding, the report notes, may point to dissatisfaction with the information available for planning, and the need to go to several places before finding solid assistance.

Additionally, more than half (59%) of caregivers say there is too little information available about financial assistance (benefits and support provided by government agencies). And 55% say that such information is very difficult to find.

Only about one-third of families say they receive a support service, and, although they may not qualify, many caregivers do not know why they don't receive a service. At the same time, 69% say they are very concerned about being able to provide lifetime care for their dependents with special needs.

On the positive side of the ledger, 38% of caregivers say have written a will, compared to 32% in 2005. And 36% plan for their dependent's future housing, up from 31%.