Special Needs Trust Funds May Not Be Use for Basic Needs

There are strict rules regarding the wording of Special Needs Trusts that have to do with how the money may and may not be spent. The document must designate that the money cannot be used to pay for the beneficiary’s basic needs, such as housing, medical treatments covered by Medicaid, food or clothing. Money used for those purposes are considered “income” for the intention of determining the beneficiary’s eligibility to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. It must also state that the money cannot be used to pay for any item that is, or in the future may be, covered by SSI or Medicaid and that any expenditure that would jeopardize the beneficiary’s eligibility for SSI or Medicaid are not authorized.

Allowable Purchases Using Trust Funds

The money can be used to purchase a home, (which can then be rented to the beneficiary). The trust can pay for ordinary or special furniture, medical and health costs not covered by Medicaid, such as experimental and alternative medical treatments, massage therapy, vitamins, certain durable medical equipment and special aids. It can pay for vacations, summer camp, trips, travel companions, or other recreation or entertainment. It can be used to buy sporting equipment or fund hobbies of any kind. The trust can pay for computers, haircuts, tickets to a ball game, or a camera. The special needs individual can buy bowling shoes with this money, but not regular shoes, because that is “clothing” and is paid for by SSI. The trust can also be used to pay for emergency legal costs in the event that the beneficiary is sued, charged with a crime or needs an advocate to deal with government or medical red tape. It can also pay for the beneficiary's funeral and burial expenses.

Prohibitions on Certain Expenditures and Special Items

The grantor (the person who sets up the trust) can designate specifically anything that he or she wants the trust to pay for, and can also specify things for which the money should not be used, like perhaps cigarettes. The grantor may also spell out any items unique to the beneficiary that he or she wants to make sure are provided. For example, if the beneficiary loves animals, the grantor can specify that the trust should pay for a monthly trip to the zoo. As long as they are allowable items, which will not jeopardize eligibility for government benefits, the grantor may give the trustee full discretion to spend the money how he or she sees fit to benefit the special needs individual and allow him or her to have a good life.

For more information about Special Needs Trusts, check out the following articles:

• Special Needs Trusts
• Types of Special Needs Trusts and Who Can Set Them Up
• Who Should Have a Special Needs Trust
• How to Create a Special Needs Trust and What to Include In It
• Special Needs Trusts and Eligibility for Federal and State Assistance