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A Special Needs Trust, sometimes called a Supplemental Needs Trust, is designed to hold assets for a person with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. Many assistance programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, impose strict limits on how much an individual may own. Even a modest inheritance or settlement can unintentionally disqualify someone from these benefits for years.
Rather than transferring assets directly to the individual, a Special Needs Trust allows funds to be used for their benefit without giving them ownership. This structure ensures continued access to essential government assistance while enhancing quality of life.
Without proper planning, financial gifts, inheritances, or personal injury settlements can create long-term harm for a person with special needs. Loss of benefits may force families to spend down assets quickly, undo years of careful planning, or leave the individual without necessary support.
A properly structured Special Needs Trust can receive settlements, gifts, and inheritances and use those funds to supplement, not replace, government benefits. This planning is especially important for parents of disabled children, caregivers of dependent adults, and families navigating personal injury recoveries. With the right structure in place, families can provide security, independence, and dignity without risking essential assistance.
Who should consider a Special Needs Trust?
Families with a child or dependent adult who receives or may receive government benefits due to a disability should strongly consider this type of trust.
Can a Special Needs Trust receive inheritance or settlement money?
Yes. The trust may receive gifts, inheritances, and personal injury settlements without disqualifying the beneficiary from benefits when properly drafted.
Who manages the trust?
A trustee is appointed to manage trust assets and make distributions according to the trust terms for the benefit of the individual.
