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The special needs trust: Why it’s important to plan ahead

November, 2020

Gina

Many people in the United States are currently considered disabled as defined by Social Security. Their disability may entitle them to receive various benefits that are provided by the federal and state government. Some of these benefits, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), food stamps (“SNAP”), housing or fuel assistance, may only be available to the disabled person if they meet eligibility requirements that require the disabled person to have income or assets less than a certain amount. Should a disabled person receive an inheritance outright, the inheritance almost always causes the asset limit to be exceeded and benefits to be disrupted, or even lost. Fortunately, with proper planning it is possible to leave an inheritance to a disabled person and not disrupt their benefits in any way.

by: Gina M. Barry

Prime
November, 2020

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