Background Information
Frank Varvaris, originally, began his career in the financial services industry.
In 1990, Mr. Varvaris established his own consulting and planning firm located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that provides fee based estate and financial planning assistance specifically to persons with disabilities and their families. Additionally, the agency has expanded its role to include a number of other services for consumers and also for professionals who work in the disability field, including Special Needs Trust administration.
Frank has written Social Security Work Incetive Plans for clients, assisted clients with Resource concerns including inheritance issues, and he has assisted V.A. clients with financial counseling concerns, including help with Social Security Disability benefits. His office is an approved E.N. (provider) by SSA through the Ticket To Work Program and he has an agreement in place with IVRS to work with their referrals.
Frank has developed educational seminar presentations: Estate Planning for the future well being of your child, or another family member who has a disability, Understanding Guardianships, Special Needs Trusts, and how to apply for and receive Social Security Disability Benefits. Seminar information is important for all persons with mild to severe disabilities, including (but not limited to) Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, PDD, Brain Injury, Mental Illness, Cerebral Palsy, M.S., Heart Disease, Stroke, Alzheimers, and persons with HIV/AIDS.
Using his 25 years of experience working with Social Security and disability claimants Frank recently developed a new educational presentation for retirees and pre-retirees about When and How to Elect Social Security Retirement benefits. This program is designed to show consumers how to maximize their lifetime benefits by using 'alternative claiming strategies.'
In 1997, Frank Varvaris drafted and successfully introduced House File 492, regarding the use of 'Special Needs Trusts' to protect money for persons with disabilties - which is now a law in Iowa. He has taught continuing education classes for attorneys, CPAs, social workers, nursing home administrators and other professionals, regarding Person Centered Planning, and the use of Trusts in estate planning for low income beneficiaries.
Frank is a past president of the Arc of East Central Iowa, a former Trustee of the Arc of ECI Foundation, a member of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a past project committee member of the Linn County Retirement Planning Committee for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, and a current board member of Discovery Living. Frank has served gubernatorial appointmnts to Iowa's Statewide Independent Living Council, Iowa Council for Early Access, and The Governor's DD Council.
September 2014, Frank as awarded 'Business Professional of the Year' by the Arc of East Central Iowa for his dedication and service to people who have disabilities and their families.
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