Supplemental Needs Trust

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Parents always want the best for their children. The need for providing the highest level of care and comfort does not end after a child reaches adulthood. Many parents understand and welcome the ongoing care for a child or an adult with disabilities.

Providing parental and loving care to a special needs child or adult is a lifelong commitment. Parents, guardians, and appointed caregivers happily take the challenge. Along with everyday care, preparing for the future is a priority. Focusing on the future care of a special needs child or adult can create anxiety and stress for parents.

Most individuals with special needs receive vital help and assistance from state-funded programs, including medical care and Supplemental Security Income. The …show more content…

An estate attorney will be able to place the inheritance in a supplemental needs trust. By using a supplemental needs trust, parents or legal guardians will gain peace of mind for the future care of their loved one.

Basics of a Pennsylvania Supplemental Needs Trust

Setting up a supplemental needs trust will protect the beneficiary without interrupting valuable state assistance programs. Without the trust, the inheritances can disqualify a loved one from vital care and medical resources. Under the rules of the trust, the available resources will not be part of the eligibility determination of government benefits.

In Pennsylvania, the programs providing state assistance must always be used first. The trust acts as a second or supplemental resource to pay for other essentials. The extras are not currently being offered under state assistance programs. Each individual will have different wants and needs to provide continuous comfort and care.

Education or vocational sources
Medical devices or aids to improve quality of life
Recreational purposes, trips, and vacations
Companionship services
Home health care or domestic …show more content…

Misuse of funds or assets can create future problems.

Forming the Supplemental Needs Trust

The supplemental needs trust is generally formed by a parent, guardian or other family members. The formation of the trust can be part of the last will and testament or a separate legal document. In some cases, the formation may require altering or amending due to changes in the special needs child’s circumstances.

Parents or guardians will want their special needs child or adult to receive the best possible care and quality of life in the future. Seeking legal representation is the best way to ensure the trust follows specific laws and guidelines. The formation of the trust acts as a valuable resource to providing continuing care to a special needs family member without risking the loss of other state benefits.

As loving parents to a special needs child or adult, preparing for the future will ease anxieties about care. Consider carefully prior to naming the trustee and backup trustee in the legally binding document. A specialized trust and estate lawyer will be able to provide protection for the disabled loved one. Providing long term arrangements and care for a special needs child or adult is the best decision any parent can

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