Special Needs Trust
- What is a Special Needs Trust?
- When Might A Special Needs Trust Be Created?
- If having money will cause problems for my disabled child, can't I just leave that money to his brother and sister and ask that they look after their sibling?
- What government benefits can be coordinated with a Special Needs Trust?
- Does the existence of a Special Needs Trust qualify the beneficiary for public benefits?
- What is a "supplemental benefits" trust?
What government benefits can be coordinated with a Special Needs Trust?
Governmental benefits based upon need may include such benefits as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid (called MediCal or other such names dependent upon the state), the expenses of vocational rehabilitation, subsidized housing, and other benefits traditionally provided to persons who are impoverished.
For purposes of a Special Needs Trust, an individual may be deemed impoverished if his or her assets are less than $2,000.00. The Special Needs Trust provides for supplemental and extra care over and above that which the government may provide, for persons under mental or physical disabilities, chronic or acquired illnesses.