Planning for a child or beneficiary with special needs requires careful consideration and specialized strategies to ensure their financial security and well-being without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. As a trust and estate attorney, here are key steps to help you navigate this complex and sensitive process.

1. Establish a Special Needs Trust (SNT)

• Types of SNTs: There are two main types of Special Needs Trusts: first-party and third-party trusts. First-party trusts are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, while third-party trusts are funded by family members or other third parties.
• Primary Benefits: An SNT allows you to provide financial support without disqualifying the beneficiary from means-tested government programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

2. Choose the Right Trustee

• Responsibilities: The trustee will manage the trust assets, make distributions for the beneficiary’s needs, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. This role requires financial acumen, integrity, and a deep understanding of the beneficiary’s needs.
• Options: You can choose a family member, a trusted friend, a professional trustee, or a combination of these to serve as co-trustees. Professional trustees, such as banks or trust companies, bring expertise but may lack personal knowledge of the beneficiary.

3. Define the Trust’s Purpose and Provisions

• Specific Needs: Clearly outline the types of expenses the trust can cover, such as medical care, education, therapy, and recreational activities. These should enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life without replacing government benefits.
• Supplemental Needs: Emphasize that the trust is intended to supplement, not supplant, government benefits. This ensures that distributions do not interfere with eligibility for public assistance programs.

4. Plan for Long-Term Care and Management

• Life Care Plan: Develop a comprehensive life care plan that details the beneficiary’s current and future needs, including housing, healthcare, and daily living support. This plan should evolve as the beneficiary’s needs change over time.
• Successor Trustees: Appoint successor trustees to ensure continuity in trust management if the primary trustee is no longer able to serve. Provide guidelines for selecting future trustees to maintain consistent care.

5. Consider Government Benefit Eligibility

• Asset Limits: Be mindful of asset and income limits for programs like SSI and Medicaid. The SNT should be structured to prevent direct distributions to the beneficiary that could affect their eligibility.
• Regular Reviews: Periodically review the trust and the beneficiary’s eligibility status with a knowledgeable attorney to adjust the plan as laws and circumstances change.

6. Incorporate Estate Planning Documents

• Will and Trust Coordination: Coordinate your will, revocable living trust, and other estate planning documents with the SNT. Ensure that any inheritance or life insurance proceeds are directed to the SNT rather than directly to the beneficiary.
• Letter of Intent: Draft a letter of intent to provide future caregivers and trustees with detailed instructions about the beneficiary’s preferences, routines, medical history, and care needs. While not legally binding, this document is invaluable for maintaining continuity of care.

7. Educate Family Members

• Awareness: Educate family members about the importance of the SNT and the need to avoid direct gifts or bequests to the beneficiary. Encourage them to contribute to the trust instead.
• Involvement: Involve trusted family members in the planning process to ensure they understand and support the long-term goals for the beneficiary’s care and financial security.



Planning for a child or beneficiary with special needs requires a nuanced approach to balance financial support and government benefit eligibility. By establishing a Special Needs Trust, selecting the right trustee, and carefully coordinating your estate planning documents, you can create a secure and supportive environment for your loved one. Consulting with an experienced trust and estate attorney is crucial to navigate these complexities and ensure your beneficiary’s future is protected.