Special Needs Families Share How Individualized Plans Change Lives

Many individuals have family members with disabilities who receive essential government assistance, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While SSI is vital for basic necessities like food and shelter, Medicaid coverage is crucial for medical and dental care. Fortunately, receiving an inheritance or assets won't jeopardize these benefits. Special needs trusts (SNT) can be established to manage funds for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their government benefits remain intact. These trusts can cover “supplemental needs,” enhancing quality of life through services not funded by government programs—such as therapy, educational expenses, recreational activities, and assistive technology. Consider Barbara, a devoted mother to Billy, who has Asperger Syndrome. After Barbara's unexpected passing from a brain tumor, her sister Angie faces the complexities of probate court to manage Billy's inheritance, which threatens his Medicaid benefits. Although daunting, proper estate planning could have established a special needs trust, preserving both Barbara's intent and Billy's essential medical coverage. Collaborating with an experienced estate planning attorney is crucial to safeguard the future of loved ones with disabilities.