Secure Your Loved One’s Future with a Special Needs Trust

Special Needs & Disability Trust Planning in Ellicott City, MD
A woman in a wheelchair is sitting at a table with an woman.

Providing Financial Security Without Jeopardizing Benefits

Caring for a loved one with special needs requires thoughtful financial and legal planning. Without the right trust, government benefits such as Medicaid and SSI could be at risk. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) ensures that your loved one is supported without affecting their eligibility for essential public assistance programs.


Protect your loved one’s future today.

A nurse is putting a blanket on an elderly woman sitting on a couch.

Types of Special Needs Trusts

 

First-Party Special Needs Trusts

✔ Funded by the beneficiary’s own assets (e.g., inheritance, settlements, etc.).

✔ Preserves Medicaid & SSI eligibility.

✔ Must include a Medicaid payback provision.

Third-Party Special Needs Trusts

✔ Funded by parents, family members, or caregivers.
✔ Assets remain protected from Medicaid payback requirements.
✔ Offers long-term financial stability.

ABLE Accounts vs. Special Needs Trusts


✔ ABLE Accounts allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses.

✔ SNTs offer broader financial protection and cover a wider range of expenses.

✔ Both can be used together for greater flexibility.

An elderly couple is sitting on a park bench.

FAQ: Special Needs & Disability Trusts

  • What is a Special Needs Trust (SNT)?

    A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool that holds assets for a disabled individual without affecting their Medicaid, SSI, or other government benefits.

  • How is a Special Needs Trust different from an ABLE Account?

    An ABLE account allows for limited tax-free savings, while an SNT provides broader financial protection.

  • Can the beneficiary control the Special Needs Trust?

    No, an appointed trustee manages the funds, ensuring they are used for the beneficiary’s best interests.

  • Does a Special Needs Trust have to repay Medicaid after the beneficiary’s death?

    First-party SNTs require Medicaid reimbursement, while third-party trusts do not.

  • What expenses can a Special Needs Trust cover?

    Housing, education, medical costs, transportation, and recreation, as long as they do not replace government benefits.

Need expert guidance?

A Special Needs Trust provides financial security while preserving critical benefits.

Let’s create a plan tailored to your loved one’s future.


Get started today.