Public Benefits

Beneficiaries of a special needs trust can still qualify for federal housing assistance programs like Section 8, but careful planning is required to avoid having benefits reduced or eliminated.

When care needs are significant or family members cannot be available, parents may wish to include instructions in a special needs trust for the trustee to retain a professional care manager.

It is possible to qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), without a birth certificate.

An Arkansas appeals court has ruled that a father may end child support payments to his adult son with special needs after the son's move to a group home where his Supplemental Security Income (SSI) now covers his monthly expenses.

Hundreds of thousands of Social Security disability (SSD) claimants are waiting up to three years for a resolution of their disability appeals, and during the wait more and more claimants are losing their homes, filing for bankruptcy, or dying from...

What expenses can't be paid by a special needs trust?...

My child with special needs relies on public benefits for basic expenses. I heard I should disinherit them to protect those benefits in the future. Is this right? The money barely covers living expenses.

My child with special needs will receive income paid from a special needs trust. Will it reduce their SSI benefits? They need this money for daily expenses and I don't want to create a bigger problem.

Many low-income people with disabilities use special needs trusts to remain eligible for public assistance. While you can qualify for the Section 8 voucher program with an SNT, it can affect how much housing assistance you receive.