Special Needs Trust Support

A special needs trust (SNT) is a trust that will preserve the beneficiary’s eligibility for needs-based government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

In Need of Help?

What is a Special Needs Trust?

According to the Special Needs Alliance, a special needs trust (SNT) is a trust that will preserve the beneficiary’s eligibility for needs-based government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Because the beneficiary does not own the assets in the trust, he or she can remain eligible for benefit programs that have an asset limit. As a general rule, the trustee will supplement the beneficiary’s government benefits but not replace them. Examples of supplemental needs are costs for sitters, companions, and dental or medical expenses not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Why Do I Need a Special Needs Trust?

Special needs trusts (SNTs) can play an important role in helping families plan for children with special needs. Some compelling reasons for establishing a trust include:

  • Preserving public benefits while providing supplemental resources to support your child's lifestyle.

    As adults, many individuals with special needs obtain basic support from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is the gateway to Medicaid and other critical programs. Since SSI covers only essential expenses, most parents desire to supplement their child's lifestyle. However, because SSI imposes limits on income and assets, providing funds to the child directly can jeopardize benefits eligibility. Generally, the best solution is placing funds in an independent financial vehicle (a Special Needs Trust) to shelter assets without penalty. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not count assets in an SNT as income for determining benefits eligibility because the assets are owned by the trust rather than the individual with a disability.

  • Ensuring the SNT assets will be used as intended.

    With an SNT, distribution of assets is directed by trust documents as well as SSA and IRS guidelines. By comparison, if assets are left to an "able-bodied" surviving child with the request that funds be used for the sibling with special needs, the child may fail to honor the request, lose the assets to creditors or die prematurely leaving assets to another party altogether.  A Special Needs Trust establishes real and lasting support.

  • It allows others to contribute.

    If you establish the trust now, grandparents and others interested in helping your child can make annual gifts to the SNT of up to $15,000 ($30,000 for a married couple) without triggering the gift tax or generation-skipping tax. Anyone interested in leaving their child money should be advised to direct bequests to the SNT.

  • You can fund the SNT as you wish.

    SNTs can be funded with cash, securities or other resources. Often, a second-to-die life insurance policy offers the most affordable option, enabling a family to fund an SNT without depleting assets required for other household needs. If assets in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) will represent a large portion of your estate, it's important to speak with an attorney about the most tax-efficient way to transfer those assets to an SNT.

  • Easily identify appropriate distributions.

    If you establish and fund an SNT while your child is young, you can use the trust like a checking account to pay the child's expenses. A future trustee can then refer to a record of these payments as a guide in determining necessary and appropriate distributions.


    Learn more here.

how we can help

At The Special Needs Trust,

We Help Parents Build a Special Needs Trust.

01

Discuss

We are in the same boat as you; it wasn’t long ago when we wrestled with what all this means for our son. We can talk you through how all this works, what to be watchful for, and suggest trusted advisors who can help guide you through the SNT process.

02

Evaulate

We look at each individual situation, and try to find the best way to support your desire to set up an SNT for your loved one(s). If a grant is approved, we set you up with the attorney best suited for your unique circumstances.

03

Resource

During the process, we are available to answer questions that arise, and to ensure the establishment of a Special Needs Trust that works for your family.

in need of assistance?

Great Reasons To Choose The Special Needs Trust.

Apply Now

We have a child with Down Syndrome; my wife and I came to recognize there are so many extra needs our son has, and realized there is insufficient support for families like ours.

Our calling is to come alongside families, like our own, and offer real assistance to help these families thrive.

We want to level the financial playing field between special needs families and traditional families. As we receive funds, we give it away. That’s our joy in giving. Receive the free gift!

Our Mission

The Special Needs Trust Offers Real Ways That We Help.

Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust is a vital part of estate planning for special needs parents. We have a network of attorneys who specialize in this service, and we provide them at no cost to the parent.

Adaptive Technology

Every parent's journey is different, as is the uniqueness of their child’s needs. The Special Needs Trust is here to meet each unique need by providing the tool, equipment, or device to accommodate each family at the point of their need.

Scholarships

We recognize that having a child with special needs places a financial burden on the family.  We don’t want that burden to prevent a child with special needs or their sibling from being able to freely pursue their continued education. We don’t want your kids to miss out on opportunities to grow and thrive, so whether college, camp(s), or community events, we want to help make your dreams for your family come true.

Health & Wellness

Many children with special needs are prone to have issues with dental and orthodontia. We want to ensure we keep the smile on the face of our kids, and in turn, their parents.

TESTIMONIALS

See what people are saying about us

TESTIMONIALS

See What People Are Saying About Us

Donate / Give

Provide for the next family in need.

Want to learn more?

Reach Out - We Promise to Reach Back!

Contact Us

GIVE US A CALL: 630-608-7072

Share by: