Supplemental Needs Trusts
SPECIAL PLANNING FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE™

A trust established for the assets of a parent or relative of a person with a disability. It is designed to provide benefits to persons with physical or developmental disabilities without disqualifying them from receiving Medical Assistance (MA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other governmental benefits. When the beneficiary dies, the trust proceeds go to whomever the grantor of the trust specified, usually siblings or a charity. See MDHS Health Care Programs Manual - Supplement Needs Trust.

For a "Plain English" explanation of supplemental needs trusts and special needs trusts, see Paul's article published in the VOR Voice:

Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse for Parents of Persons with Special Needs

When i was in law school, we were constantly reminded that "Ignorance of the Law" was not a defense to a criminal prosecution, or to a civil suit, for that matter.  The same rule holds true for parents, grandparents and siblings of persons with special needs.  In some cases, a well meaning grandparent remembers the child with special needs...

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