Special Needs Trusts help families maintain eligibility for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income while providing supplemental funds for education, recreation, therapy, or equipment. They offer flexibility to address future needs, reduce the risk of improper spend-downs, and support guardians in preserving the person’s quality of life without compromising essential benefits.
A well-designed plan maintains stable access to housing, healthcare, therapy, and educational supports, even when personal circumstances change, reducing the risk of service disruptions.
Our team offers thoughtful guidance grounded in estate planning, disability planning, and guardianship experience. We take time to listen to your goals, explain options in plain language, and tailor a plan that fits your family’s values and finances.
We provide ongoing reviews, update beneficiary information, and adjust distributions or trustee arrangements to reflect changes in law, health, or family circumstances.
A Special Needs Trust is a vehicle that holds assets for a beneficiary with a disability while preserving eligibility for government programs. It separates assets from the individual’s own resources but requires careful drafting to avoid disqualifications. Funding strategies, trustee selection, and compliance with Medicaid and SSI rules are essential; many families seek professional guidance to align goals with program requirements.
Anyone who relies on needs-based benefits or faces potential guardianship changes can benefit from a well-planned Special Needs Trust. Parents planning for a child’s future, or a caregiver seeking lasting protections, should consider this option as part of a broader estate and disability plan.
A properly drafted SNT can safeguard benefits while allowing supplementary resources for care. It is crucial to coordinate with public programs and ensure distributions do not disqualify eligibility. Our team reviews current benefits and crafts terms that protect both eligibility and quality of life.
The trustee manages investments, oversees distributions, and ensures compliance with trust terms and applicable laws. The trustee should balance supporting daily needs with maintaining eligibility for benefits, communicate clearly with family members, and provide regular reports to guardians and beneficiaries.
Funding typically comes from a combination of life insurance proceeds, inheritances, and existing assets, structured to avoid disqualifying transfers. The timing and method of funding influence tax considerations and benefit eligibility, so careful planning with an experienced attorney is essential.
Many trusts are irrevocable, offering asset protection and benefits preservation, but some provisions may allow amendments under specific circumstances. Our team explains options, constraints, and practical steps to adjust the plan as needs evolve or laws change.
Ongoing maintenance includes periodic reviews of beneficiary status, funding updates, and trustee actions. We help clients prepare annual or milestone reviews to ensure the plan remains aligned with benefits rules and the family’s care goals.
Processing times vary, but a typical setup can take several weeks to complete, depending on funding, document accuracy, and coordination with other planning instruments. Early preparation and complete information help streamline the process.
Costs include legal fees for drafting, filing, and advice, plus potential ongoing administration costs for trustees. We offer transparent estimates and discuss budgeting options to fit your family’s needs and goals.
To begin, contact our office for a consultation. We will review your family’s situation, explain available options, and outline the steps to prepare, fund, and implement a Special Needs Trust tailored to Naval Academy and the surrounding area.
