Special Needs Trust

Protecting Without Disqualifying

For families planning around a loved one with a disability. A direct inheritance can unintentionally disqualify them from needs-based benefits like Medicaid or SSI. A properly structured Special Needs Trust lets you provide for them — for life — without that risk.

What it is

A Special Needs Trust is a trust designed to provide financial support for a person with disabilities without interfering with important public benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The trust allows assets to be used to enhance quality of life while preserving eligibility for needs-based programs.

Why people use them

protect government benefits
provide lifelong support
preserve family assets
pay for supplemental care and experiences
create continuity after parents or caregivers are gone

Biggest myth

“I can just leave money directly to my child.”

Direct inheritance can unintentionally disqualify someone from essential public benefits. A properly structured trust may help avoid that problem.

What can the trust pay for?

therapies
education
recreation
transportation
caregivers
technology
travel
housing support
quality-of-life expenses

Who this trust is good for

Parents of children with disabilities
Grandparents
Families receiving SSI or Medicaid
Caregivers planning long term
Families concerned about continuity of care

The Deeper Idea

How do I keep caring for someone after I’m gone? A Special Needs Trust is one of the most direct legal answers to that question we have.

Conversations We’re Having About This Trust

“The inheritance mistake that can jeopardize benefits.”

“How families protect disabled loved ones.”

“What is a Special Needs Trust?”

“Planning for care after the parents are gone.”

Supplemental Needs Trust

Enhancing Quality of Life

III.3

Medicaid Asset Protection Trust

Protecting the Home

III.4

Elder Care Trust

Planning for the Long Road

III.5

Education Trust

Funding Opportunity with Structure

Browse All Eight Categories

Schedule a Complimentary 30-Minute Consultation

At Hurwitz.Law, we believe that thoughtful planning begins with a meaningful conversation.

We offer a private, 30-minute consultation—by phone or Zoom—for individuals and families considering estate planning, elder law, or trust administration services. This conversation allows us to understand your goals, answer your questions, and help determine whether our firm is the right fit for your needs.

Our firm is intentionally boutique. We work with a limited number of clients so that we can provide a high level of personal attention and care. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

This consultation is not a sales pitch. It’s a conversation rooted in clarity, respect, and the belief that your time—and your legacy—deserve both.

Schedule a Consultation

Prefer to talk first? Call us at (215) 967-7890.