Special Needs Answers
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Read moreI'm on SSDI. Can My Pay Go to a Special Needs Trust?
- July 30th, 2024
Q
If someone were on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and were elected to a political office, could they have their pay go to a special needs trust (SNT)?
A
There are no income or asset limits for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), so there’s no need to use a special needs trust. In addition, there are no transfer penalties, so a beneficiary can transfer their money to such a trust. However, earning money whether as a politician or in any other employment may be an indication that the individual is no longer disabled. As of 2024, anyone earning more than $1,550 a month may lose their SSDI benefits. A special needs trust will not help circumvent this limitation.
Harry S. Margolis practices elder law, estate, and special needs planning in Boston and Wellesley, Massachusetts. He is the founder of ElderLawAnswers.com and answers consumer questions about estate planning issues here and at AskHarry.info.