A Special Needs Trust is designed to hold assets for a person with a disability without affecting eligibility for certain government benefits.

Why Special Needs Trusts Are Important

Programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income have strict financial limits.

If a person with a disability receives money directly—such as through an inheritance—it may jeopardize eligibility for these benefits.

A Special Needs Trust allows assets to be used for the person’s benefit without being counted as their personal resources.

What the Trust Can Pay For

Funds in a Special Needs Trust can be used for many expenses that improve quality of life, including:

• Medical care not covered by insurance
• Education
• Transportation
• Recreation
• Assistive technology

Types of Special Needs Trusts

There are different types of Special Needs Trusts depending on who provides the funds and how the trust is structured.

Proper legal guidance is important to ensure the trust meets program requirements.