Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust is a powerful legal tool that ensures a loved one with a disability is provided for without risking eligibility for essential government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
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By placing assets in a special needs trust, families can protect resources for the beneficiary’s care while the trust—not the individual—legally owns the funds. This allows the beneficiary to maintain access to critical benefits while still receiving support for a higher quality of life.
A special needs trust can cover expenses such as:
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Personal care and support services
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Therapies, medical treatments, and equipment not covered by insurance
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Education, vocational training, and transportation
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Recreational activities and technology to enhance daily life
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Housing-related costs, depending on the type of trust
Types of Special Needs Trusts
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First-Party Trusts: Funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, such as inheritance or a settlement.
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Third-Party Trusts: Funded by family members or others planning for the beneficiary’s future.
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Pooled Trusts: Managed by nonprofit organizations that combine resources for investment and administration.
Special needs trusts provide security, control, and peace of mind, ensuring your loved one’s needs are met today and in the future—while protecting access to essential benefits.