A Special Needs Trust is an Irrevocable Trust is used when a beneficiary has disabilities which can be either physical or mental and receiving government benefits. This type of Irrevocable Trust is used to preserve eligibility for an individual receiving government benefits for programs through the Social Security Administration such as the Supplemental Security Income program or Medicaid benefits. These individuals are likely to have long-term medical or support needs, and the Special Needs Trust can be a solution to supply funding to provide lifetime quality care. Special Needs Trusts are most often used when dealing with an inheritance or personal injury settlement monies. In addition, if a beneficiary lacks the legal capacity to handle their own financial affairs, a Special Needs Trust allows funds to be administered for their benefit and prevent them from squandering or losing assets due to poor judgment or the inability to understand or comprehend their business affairs. This can be especially helpful if you have an individual with substance abuse or gambling issues.
