A Special Needs Trust (SNT) sometimes referred to as a supplemental needs trust is intended for a person with disabilities. The purpose of the trust is to ensure that trust assets are not used in calculating the disabled person’s eligibility for government program assistance such as Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Without having a California special needs trust, the trust assets will either disqualify the person from benefits, or be paid to the source of the public benefits. A trust ensures that the individual gets better care and supplemental therapies, opportunities for recreation and independence when possible, while protecting his or her assets.
Supplemental Needs Trust Benefits
A supplemental needs trust will preserve trust assets for the special needs of a disabled beneficiary and allow the beneficiary to keep all public assistance benefits. In addition the special needs trust (SNT) can offer the beneficiary things like a specially equipped van, additional medical or dental care, a motorized wheelchair, entertainment, recreation or vacations which are not provided for in the government benefits (SSI and Medi-Cal).
The California supplemental needs trust will protect the benefits of individuals who are disabled. This includes many disabilities including deaf, blind, Autistic, Downs Syndrome, Intellectual disability (ID), also known as general learning disability, and mental retardation.
A supplemental needs trust will grant you the peace of mind of knowing that your disabled family member is secure. Alice A. Salvo is a special needs trust attorney skilled with the laws regarding state based care and payment, meaning your family member won’t have to worry about losing state coverage. The California special need trust is in place to catch what the state won’t, leaving you worry free.