Milford Special Needs Attorneys Answer, “What Can a Special Needs Trust Pay For?”
- By Franklin Drazen
- Posted April 17, 2023
Parenting an adult with special needs can present unique financial challenges. A Special Needs Trust can help to ease the burden by providing additional resources without compromising your child's eligibility for government benefits. Funds from a trust may be used to cover things like housing, medical expenses, and other services that contribute to the quality of life - allowing you peace of mind knowing your loved one is provided for in every way possible. Our Milford special needs planning lawyers explain some items that can be paid using funds from a Special Needs Trust.
Medical Expenses
One of the essential uses for funds from a Special Needs Trust is paying for medical expenses. This could include doctor visits, dental care, physical therapy, and beyond. The benefit of using funds from a Special Need Trust for medical expenses is that it does not count against any public benefits your loved one might receive, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
Recreational Activities
Another excellent use for funds from a Special Needs Trust is to pay for recreational activities such as vacations, sports leagues, and hobbies like art classes or music lessons. These activities give your loved one opportunities to socialize, explore new interests, and live out their dreams in ways they may not have been able to do otherwise due to limited resources.
In-Home Care
Finally, funds from a Special Needs Trust can also cover in-home care costs such as home health aides or respite care services. These services are invaluable to ensure that your loved one has the support they need at all times—primarily if you cannot provide this assistance due to work or other commitments. In-home care can also help your loved one stay in their home instead of moving into an assisted living facility due to a lack of support or supervision at home.
Special Needs Trusts Open the Door for More Options!
A Special Needs Trust offers many options for providing financial assistance without sacrificing eligibility for public benefits programs like SSI and Medicaid. While there are limits on what these trusts can pay for—such as food and housing—they can cover many other items, including medical expenses, recreational activities, and in-home care services. With careful planning and wise decisions about how these funds are allocated, you can ensure that your loved one with disabilities has the financial support they need. For help getting started with the process of creating a Special Needs Trust for your loved one, please call our Milford special needs planning lawyers at 203-877-7511 to set up a consultation.
Contact our special needs planning lawyers located in New Haven and Harford, Connecticut.
