A properly established SNT protects government benefits while enabling supplemental needs support. It can cover medical expenses, therapy, transportation, and adaptive equipment without counting toward beneficiary resources. For families, this means dignity, predictability, and less risk of losing essential programs due to rising assets.
A comprehensive plan emphasizes proper trust design and distributions that protect eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other programs. This reduces the risk that assets are counted against means-tested benefits, preserving essential support while enabling supplemental care.
Our firm blends legal knowledge with real-world care planning. We listen to your family’s goals, explain options clearly, and implement durable solutions that protect benefits while delivering meaningful supports.
We provide regular reviews to adjust trustee duties, distributions, and plan provisions as needs change. Ongoing monitoring safeguards the beneficiary’s financial security and program eligibility.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement designed to provide supplemental support for a beneficiary with disabilities while preserving eligibility for means-tested government programs. It differs from direct inheritance because it remains a separate legal entity funded to support needs beyond basic benefits. The right structure helps maintain ongoing access to essential services while expanding quality of life.
Government programs such as Medicaid and SSI have specific asset and income rules. Properly crafted SNTs keep assets out of the beneficiary’s name and limit distributions to approved categories, so benefits aren’t jeopardized. When correctly implemented, these trusts can enhance care without triggering disqualification.
A trustee can be a trusted family member, a friend, or a professional fiduciary. The key is selecting someone who understands disability planning, can manage distributions prudently, and will adhere to the trust’s terms. In Westminster, professional trustees often bring experience with government program compliance.
Costs vary with complexity and the chosen trustee. Setup fees cover drafting, funding guidance, and initial filings, while ongoing administration may involve trustee fees and annual reporting. We provide transparent estimates and help families balance upfront expenses with long-term benefits.
Yes. Life insurance proceeds can fund a Special Needs Trust, provided the policy and payout are directed to the trust with proper documentation. This approach preserves benefits while creating a reliable source of future funding for the beneficiary’s care and support.
A large gift or inheritance may affect benefits if not properly structured. Transferring the assets into a Special Needs Trust or using a properly drafted plan ensures the funds support the beneficiary without risking program eligibility. We review each gift scenario carefully.
To start, contact our Westminster office for a consultation. We will gather details about your family, the beneficiary’s needs, and available resources, then outline a tailored plan. The next steps typically include document preparation, trustee selection, and funding strategies.
