Secure the Future: Special Needs Trust

Services for Your Loved Ones

Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs requires both care and expertise. A Special Needs Trust provides financial support while protecting eligibility for important government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). With the right plan in place, you can ensure long-term security, peace of mind, and a lifetime of care for those who matter most.

Special Needs Trust – The Basics

A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement created to provide financial support for individuals who are physically disabled, mentally disabled, or chronically ill, while ensuring they remain eligible for essential public benefit programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). By offering supplemental financial resources without jeopardizing government assistance, this type of trust helps enhance your loved one’s quality of life and provides long-term peace of mind.

Who Needs a Special Needs Trust?

A Self-Funded Special Needs Trust (SF-SNT) is created for individuals using their own funds, such as lawsuit settlements, gifts, or inheritances. By law, these trusts must be established by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or the court.

A Third-Party Special Needs Trust, on the other hand, is created by someone other than the beneficiary, such as a parent or family member.

These trusts offer greater flexibility in planning and typically come with fewer restrictions, making them a powerful tool for long-term financial security.

What Is a Special Needs Trust?

A Special Needs Trust allows your loved one to maintain eligibility for government programs such as Medicaid and SSI while still receiving supplemental financial support. This ensures that critical benefits remain intact while improving overall quality of life.

By preserving assets in the trust, families can avoid the risk of disqualification that comes from exceeding the strict $2,000 asset limit imposed by many programs.

Perhaps most importantly, a Special Needs Trust provides lifetime care. It ensures that your loved one will continue to receive financial support and protection long after you are gone, offering lasting peace of mind for both you and your family.

When Should You Set Up a Special Needs Trust?

The best time to establish a Special Needs Trust is now. Early planning helps prevent complications such as the loss of government benefits or Medicaid payback requirements and ensures that any inherited or gifted assets are properly managed.

A trust becomes especially important when a loved one with special needs is already receiving benefits, when parents or grandparents wish to make contributions or gifts without disrupting eligibility, or when the individual inherits property or receives a court-ordered settlement. By planning ahead, you create long-term stability and peace of mind for both your loved one and your family.

Take the First Step Today!

Don’t leave your future to chance. The decisions you make today shape the legacy you leave tomorrow. Our team of dedicated estate planning professionals is here to guide you through the process with clarity, care, and expertise. Whether you’re looking to protect your loved ones, preserve your assets, or minimize tax burdens, we’re committed to providing solutions tailored to your unique goals.

Here’s what you can expect from your complimentary consultation:

  • A Comprehensive Review of Your Needs: We’ll take the time to understand your financial and family situation, your goals, and your concerns.

  • Clear Explanations: Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but we simplify the jargon and outline your options in straightforward terms.

  • Tailored Strategies: Whether it’s asset protection, tax advantage accounts, or veterans’ trusts, we provide recommendations that align with your specific circumstances.

  • A Path Forward: You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your next steps and how we can support you in achieving your estate planning goals.

Why Wait? Your Future

Deserves Attention Now.

Don’t leave your future to chance. The decisions you make today shape the legacy you leave tomorrow. Our team of dedicated estate planning professionals is here to guide you through the process with clarity, care, and expertise. Whether you’re looking to protect your loved ones, preserve your assets, or minimize tax burdens, we’re committed to providing solutions tailored to your unique goals.

Fortis Planning, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All documents are reviewed by licensed attorneys in the appropriate state.

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