Special Needs Trust

Do you have a loved one with special needs, regardless of his or her age?  Do you have a plan in place to ensure that your loved one will be taken care if you’re not there? We will help you establish a plan for your special needs family member.

Special Needs Trusts allow a disabled person who is currently receiving or anticipates receiving government benefits through SSI or Medicaid to preserve those benefits yet allow for additional funds to be set aside in a trust for the benefit of the special needs persons.

Special Needs Trusts may be set up as an “intervivos” or Living Trust, or as a Testamentary Trust, through one’s Will. Which method of establishing a Special Needs Trust would be best depends on the type of Special Needs Trust that would be appropriate for the person receiving the government benefits.

Parents of a disabled child or other family members with disabled loved ones who wish to provide additional funds to supplement government benefits may be able to do so through establishment of a Special Needs Trust as part of their estate plan.

Persons who have been severely injured and receive a personal injury settlement or award must establish a Special Needs Trust to preserve those funds and remain eligible for government benefits.

For individuals facing Long Term Care needs, a Testamentary Special Needs Trust will allow the surviving spouse to benefit from the deceased spouse’s assets, yet not interfere with Medicaid Long Term Care eligibility requirements.

If you would like to discuss questions about Special Needs Trust, please contact us at info@lynnstlouis.com or 509.568.0551.