Planning for the future for an individual with Special Needs requires not only specific knowledge of the appropriate Estate Planning documents, such as Special Needs Trusts (a/k/a Supplemental Needs Trusts) but also an understanding of the interplay between supplemental trusts and the government benefits they are meant to preserve.
Robin is uniquely adept at navigating the public benefits system and its relationship to Special Needs Planning.
Robin has more than ten years of experience in this area and our clients benefit from Robin’s unique knowledge base.
Changes and advances in the planning and options available for the disabled population has created a space where planning for the disabled beneficiary demands an expert attorney.
Special needs planning typically refers to planning for a disabled individual who is receiving or may receive government benefits such as SSI or Medicaid.
Many disabled individuals qualify for services and care through government entitlement programs such as Medicaid. In order to keep these benefits, the individual must have assets below a certain threshold. If they inherit money outright, they can lose their benefits.
Some believe that special needs planning will be overly complicated or expensive. In reality, special needs planning can be incorporated into your estate plan for very little additional cost.
Creating a special needs trust for disabled beneficiary ensures that they will be able to inherit or otherwise be gifted assets without losing their government benefits.
Special needs planning requires knowledge of trusts and estates law and government entitlement programs. It is complex and would be best done by an experienced attorney. Trusts downloaded off the internet often do not account for state-specific requirements.