Special Needs Trusts

Planning for the future of a child with mental illness involves careful consideration of their unique needs and circumstances.

Every family has different needs and circumstances when assessing whether a special needs trust or ABLE account is the better option for their loved one with disabilities.

There are some misconceptions surrounding pooled trusts, which are valuable tools for those in need of long-term care when their income exceeds Medicaid's limits.

A special needs trust can allow individuals with special needs to preserve assets that will enhance their quality of life while allowing them to remain eligible for needs-based public benefits like Medicaid and SSI.

Special Needs 101

Third-party special needs trusts, as the name implies, are funded with assets that never belonged to the trust beneficiary, and they provide several advantages over the other two types of special needs trusts.

Special Needs 101

Funds held in a properly drafted special needs trust will not affect a SSI or Medicaid recipient's benefits. However, funds disbursed in a manner that violates SSI or Medicaid rules can impact these benefits.

Special Needs 101

What is special needs planning, and what options can help people with disabilities? You can protect children or adults with disabilities and ensure they have everything they need to have a safe and happy life.

Special Needs 101

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs make up the majority of most people's savings. While these plans encourage saving by offering significant tax rewards, they were certainly not set up to help families with special needs.

Special Needs 101

If your child has special needs, a standard estate plan -- will, trust, power of attorney, and health care proxy -- may not be adequate for your family. Here are three must-have documents...

Special Needs 101