A special needs trust can help improve a beneficiary’s quality of life by paying for expenses that government assistance may not cover. For instance, while Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, may provide monthly cash assistance to eligible individuals, trust funds can help pay for additional needs such as transportation, technology, personal care, entertainment, and travel.
A special needs trust must meet specific requirements to protect the beneficiary’s eligibility for certain government benefits. Establishing a trust is only part of the process. The document must be properly drafted and reviewed for compliance with the eligibility rules of benefits programs. After approval, the trust must be carefully administered to ensure continued eligibility for benefits.
