The needs of a family member with a disability or special needs often go beyond what their government benefits can provide. Giving your loved one money outright, or purchasing durable medical equipment or other life-enhancing supplies, can jeopardize their eligibility for government-provided medical care, housing, and food benefits, and other programs open to people with disabilities or special needs. A special needs trust (SNT) can help provide for your loved one without affecting their benefits eligibility, but it must be properly set up. Our Monroe, WA special needs trust lawyer can help you understand the benefits of this type of trust and create one for your loved one. Call Eastside Estate Planning today for a consultation.
Special Needs Trust Lawyer Monroe, WA
Your loved one with a disability likely relies on Medicare or Medicaid for healthcare and may also receive a housing stipend and SNAP food benefits. These programs, and other government benefits for people with special needs and disabilities, are usually financially needs-based, and the threshold for eligibility is low. Even a small increase in their monthly income or total assets could render a recipient ineligible for vital assistance. However, these programs typically provide just the bare minimum. They may not include certain dental procedures, durable medical equipment, and education and vocational training to help your loved one live a more fulfilling life.
An SNT can help meet the needs your loved one has that government benefits don’t, giving them a better quality of life and more independence. Special needs trusts contain property, money, and other assets that can financially benefit your loved one, without these assets being legally “theirs.” The beneficiary of an SNT has no control over the trust, its administration, or any disbursements; the trust’s assets belong solely to the trust, not the beneficiary, and so won’t be counted toward their benefits eligibility.
A special needs trust can greatly enhance your loved one’s quality of life, but for it to be effective, it must be constructed according to the state’s narrow guidelines for this type of legal document. Our Monroe special needs trust lawyer can create a trust to benefit your loved one, oversee its administration, and even act as the trust administrator, if there is no one in your life you can trust with that fiduciary duty.
Why Experience Matters When Establishing An SNT
Special needs trusts are distinct from other types of trusts and must be established precisely to properly support the beneficiary without affecting their benefits. Our Monroe special needs trust lawyer, with over a decade of experience establishing this type of trust, can help you support your loved one and enhance their life, without worrying about losing their medical coverage.
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Do you have a loved one with special needs or a disability for whom you’d like to provide financial support? Call Eastside Estate Planning today for a consultation to learn your options.