Who Needs a Special Needs Trust?
A SNT may be created by itself, in a living trust, in a Will, in a testamentary trust or as part of a personal injury settlement. A SNT is useful in the following different situations: • SSI/Medi-Cal (Supplemental Security Income). SSI is based on disability and financial need. SNTs can be used to provide additional funds for a beneficiary receiving SSI. Basically, the same assets which are exempt and non-exempt for long-term care Medi-Cal benefits apply to SSI benefits. • SSDI/Medicare (Social Security Disability Income): Social Security Disability Income is an entitlement program based upon contribution to Social Security by the disabled individual or by that individuals retired or deceased parent. The value of an individuals estate is irrelevant to SSDI qualification; thus, the purpose of special needs trusts for individuals on SSDI is different than for individuals on SSI. • Long-Term Care Medi-Cal: Medi-Cal benefits provided for long-term care in skilled nursing facilities are bas
