Special Needs Trusts Attorney –
Protecting Benefits & Quality of Life
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust (SNT) is a legal tool that allows you to set aside assets for a person with a disability—without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital government benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Special needs trusts ensure your loved one has resources for extras that improve their quality of life, while keeping access to healthcare, housing, and support programs.
Why Consider a Special Needs Trust?
Without proper planning, an inheritance or gift can cause a loss of benefits for a person with special needs.
A special needs trust:
- Safeguards public benefits
- Allows for gifts, settlements, or inheritances without penalty
- Pays for supplemental needs—education, therapies, travel, or personal care
- Provides peace of mind for families now and in the future
Types of Special Needs Trusts
- First-Party SNT: Funded with the beneficiary’s own assets (e.g., personal injury settlement or inheritance).
- Third-Party SNT: Funded by parents, relatives, or others—often through a will, trust, or life insurance.
- Pooled SNT: Managed by a nonprofit that pools assets for efficiency but keeps separate accounts for each beneficiary.
The right type depends on your family’s needs, goals, and the source of funds.
How to Set Up a Special Needs Trust in New Jersey
- Consultation: We discuss your family’s situation, goals, and concerns.
- Drafting the Trust: Our firm prepares a customized SNT document, tailored to your loved one’s needs and government rules.
- Funding: Assets are transferred to the trust. We coordinate with financial institutions, courts, and benefit programs as needed.
- Ongoing Support: We advise trustees and families on how to use the trust for the beneficiary’s benefit—while protecting public assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Trusts
Can a special needs trust help both children and adults?
Yes. SNTs can be set up for people of any age with qualifying disabilities.
Will an SNT affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility?
When properly drafted and funded, a special needs trust protects eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
Who manages a special needs trust?
A trustee (family member, friend, or professional) manages and distributes trust assets for the beneficiary’s needs.
Can I add money or change the trust later?
Third-party trusts can receive additional gifts. The trust’s terms may allow some changes, but this depends on the document and laws.
What can SNT funds be used for?
SNTs pay for items and services beyond basic needs—like education, therapies, travel, technology, and recreation.
Start a Special Needs Trust With Confidence
Protect your loved one’s benefits, dignity, and independence. Contact The Law Offices of Gary Cornick to set up a special needs trust with confidence and care.