Special Needs Trusts

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Individuals tasked with the care of a child or adult with disabilities need to ensure this person will be cared for after their passing. If assets are to be left for the person with the disability, Special Needs Trusts must be established. This type of trust functions to ensure the disabled party 's ability to obtain government benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, is not jeopardized. The problem is many assets won 't affect eligibility, yet others will, including any cash the person has in the bank. For this reason, individuals with a Special Needs Guardianship need to start the process to develop this trust early. When a person suffers from a disability, they may not be able to make decisions for themselves. The guardian is tasked with making decisions on their behalf, and the process of requesting guardianship should be started before the individual turns 18 to ensure everything is in place when they hit this milestone. Guardianship for children with disabilities is typically granted to the parents, as parents serve as guardians for their children typically. Guardianship for adults with disabilities involves having the court decide who will be given this position, if this hasn 't already been established. Many …show more content…

The Special Needs Trusts holds any assets that could affect a person 's ability to obtain government benefits. The trust holds these assets and it is overseen by a trustee. The trustee doesn 't supply the disabled party with money, but can use the assets in the trust to buy items and services needed for the disabled person. This may include personal care attendants, home furnishings, any medical and dental expenses that must be paid out of pocket and more. An attorney can be of assistance in establishing guardianship and a trust of this type, regardless of the person 's age, and ensure that the funds are spent as intended. Contact an attorney today to begin the process to ensure the loved one is cared for under any