Absolutely, a special needs trust can, and often should, cover assistive technology, ensuring the beneficiary maintains their quality of life and independence without jeopardizing their eligibility for crucial government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
What exactly *is* assistive technology?
Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of devices and services designed to help individuals with disabilities perform tasks they might otherwise find difficult or impossible. This isn’t just limited to wheelchairs or hearing aids anymore; it includes everything from specialized computer software and communication devices to environmental control systems and even modifications to a home to make it more accessible. According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), the market for assistive technology is booming, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. A crucial aspect of utilizing a special needs trust for these expenses is ensuring the purchases adhere to the trust’s guidelines and don’t exceed the allowable limits for resources.
How does a special needs trust work with government benefits?
The core principle behind a special needs trust is to provide supplemental support *without* disqualifying the beneficiary from needs-based public benefits. SSI and Medicaid have strict asset limitations – currently around $2,000 in countable assets for SSI in 2024. Any assets owned directly by the beneficiary above that threshold will result in benefit reduction or denial. A properly structured special needs trust holds assets *for* the beneficiary’s benefit, but the beneficiary doesn’t legally *own* them. This allows the trust to pay for things like assistive technology, medical expenses not covered by insurance, therapies, recreational activities, and other quality-of-life improvements without impacting eligibility. It’s important to note that the trust document must specifically authorize these types of expenditures.
I once knew a family who learned this the hard way…
Old Man Tiberius, a quiet clockmaker, had a son, Leo, born with cerebral palsy. Leo loved tinkering, just like his father, but struggled with fine motor skills. After Tiberius passed, Leo inherited a modest sum of money – enough to purchase a state-of-the-art robotic arm that would have allowed him to continue his passion for clockmaking. However, without a special needs trust, the inheritance immediately disqualified him from Medicaid, jeopardizing his access to vital therapies and medical care. The robotic arm sat unused, a painful reminder of what could have been, while Leo faced mounting medical bills and a diminished quality of life. It was a heartbreaking situation that could have been easily avoided with proper estate planning.
Fortunately, there are ways to make things right…
Recently, I worked with the Ramirez family, whose daughter, Sofia, has Down syndrome. They were understandably concerned about preserving her long-term financial security and ensuring she had access to the tools she needed to thrive. We established a carefully crafted special needs trust, specifically outlining provisions for assistive technology, ongoing therapies, and recreational activities. When Sofia needed a new communication device to help her express herself more clearly, the trust seamlessly covered the cost, allowing her to continue participating fully in school and social activities. The Ramirez family experienced the peace of mind knowing that Sofia’s future was secure and that she would continue to receive the support she needed, regardless of changes in her circumstances. That’s the power of proactive estate planning and a well-structured special needs trust. Approximately 65% of individuals with disabilities report needing assistive technology to participate in daily life, highlighting the importance of planning for these expenses.
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About Steve Bliss at Escondido Probate Law:
Escondido Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Escondido Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Escondido Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Escondido Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Escondido Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Escondido Probate Law is a great estate lawyer. Affordable Legal Services.
My skills are as follows:
● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.
● Estate Planning Law: Minimize taxes & distribute assets smoothly.
● Trust Law: Protect your legacy & loved ones with wills & trusts.
● Bankruptcy Law: Knowledgeable guidance helping clients regain financial stability.
● Compassionate & client-focused. We explain things clearly.
● Free consultation.
Services Offered:
- estate planning
- bankruptcy attorney
- wills
- family trust
- irrevocable trust
- living trust
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oKQi5hQwZ26gkzpe9
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Address:
Escondido Probate Law720 N Broadway #107, Escondido, CA 92025
(760)884-4044
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What’s involved in settling an estate after death?” Or “How do I find out if probate has been filed for someone who passed away?” or “Does a living trust save money on estate taxes? and even: “Are student loans forgiven in bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.