Special Needs Trusts offer important protections for individuals who rely on government benefits while allowing access to funds for education, healthcare, housing, and enrichment activities. By separating personal assets from daily living needs, the trust safeguards eligibility, reduces risk of penalties, and provides a stable funding source that supports quality of life without compromising benefits.
One key benefit is improved continuity of care. A well-structured plan coordinates benefits, caregivers, and service providers so that the person with disabilities receives consistent support regardless of life events.
Choosing us means working with a firm that values clear guidance, thorough document preparation, and ongoing support. We tailor solutions to honor your family’s goals, keep benefits intact, and provide steady communication throughout the process.
Part 2 describes ongoing administration duties, including recordkeeping, reporting, and annual plan reviews to adapt to changing needs. This ensures transparency for families and compliance with applicable laws.
A Special Needs Trust is a vehicle that allows funds to support a beneficiary with disabilities without disqualifying them from government benefits. It works alongside wills and guardianships to provide ongoing care while protecting eligibility. In Maryland, careful planning helps ensure funds are used for approved expenses and kept separate from resources that determine benefit eligibility.
A trustee can be a family member, friend, professional fiduciary, or a combination. The key is selecting someone who understands the beneficiary’s needs, can manage assets responsibly, and maintains open communication with caregivers and agencies. We help assess compatibility and responsibilities. Consider professional co-trustees for complex funds when appropriate.
Costs include attorney drafting fees, potential trustee fees, and administrative expenses. While upfront fees vary, a well-structured plan can reduce long-term costs by avoiding incorrect benefits outcomes and by providing a clear obligations framework. We provide transparent estimates and options to suit your budget.
If drafted correctly, a properly funded SNT preserves eligibility because the trust assets are not counted as personal resources for most programs. In Maryland, careful language ensures distributions are used for approved expenses while maintaining program qualification.
Yes. Funds from a life insurance policy can be used to fund a Special Needs Trust, provided the transfer is designed to protect benefits and comply with state and federal guidelines. We outline options and timing to preserve eligibility and maximize protection.
Upon the beneficiary’s death, remaining trust assets are handled according to the trust terms. Often best practice directs funds to repay government programs for any benefits provided, with remaining assets going to heirs per the trust’s instructions. We explain local requirements and steps clearly.
ABLE accounts can complement a Special Needs Trust, offering a vehicle for additional savings without jeopardizing benefits. We explain how to coordinate distributions and ensure funds are used for appropriate disability-related expenses while staying within program rules.
People involved should include the beneficiary, family members, guardians, trustees, caregivers, and your attorney. A collaborative planning approach ensures all needs and concerns are addressed, and roles are clearly defined for ongoing administration.
Guardianship and a Special Needs Trust often work together. Guardians oversee care decisions, while the trust provides funding for supports beyond what benefits cover. We explain how to coordinate these roles to maintain continuity and protect eligibility.
To start, contact our office for a consultation. We will discuss your goals, gather necessary information, and outline next steps. We guide you through the process, from initial meeting to drafting and finalizing documents.
