Special Needs Trusts

Trustees of special needs trusts generally have wide discretion in determining whether to distribute funds to trust beneficiaries. But if the person with disabilities receives SSI, care should be taken when using trust funds to pay for housing.

For years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has placed strict limitations on when special needs trusts can distribute payments to family members for travel expenses. But things just got a little easier. ...

Administrator-managed prepaid debit cards offer beneficiaries of special needs trusts greater independence, but up till now such cards existed in a regulatory gray area.

In an underreported case involving police violence, the state of California has agreed to pay nearly $1 million to a man with schizophrenia. The money will be placed in a special needs trust (SNT). ...

To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), an applicant can have no more than $2,000 in assets. However, not all assets count towards the $2,000 limit.

When victims win personal injury lawsuits, obtaining the award is only half the battle. Of equal, or greater, importance is constructing the settlement in a way that best protects the individual's long-term interests.

What portion of a lawsuit award or settlement can go to the state to reimburse Medicaid? The new congressional budget deal finally clarifies the situation.

Most special needs trusts give their trustee wide authority to respond to unforeseen circumstances. But for those concerned about placing some checks and balances on the trustee’s authority, one possible option is a care committee.

A financial planner explains the considerations that must go into calculating how much will adequately fund a special needs trust, and offers a sample budget.