Knowledgeable Special-Needs Planning Solutions
To qualify for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, the government requires a person to have no more than $2,000 in assets. An outright inheritance could disqualify your family member for long-term care, medical services and other benefits. But excluding your loved one from the will to preserve program eligibility is no solution.
A special-needs trust solves this dilemma, but the trust must be carefully constructed by a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer. If set up improperly, the federal government can either declare your loved one ineligible for Medicaid and SSI or demand to be paid back from your estate.
If a child has mental or developmental disabilities, or if an elderly person is receiving government benefits because of a physical or mental impairment, contact Livens & Reed, PLLC to discuss special-needs planning. Our Bedford, Texas, estate planning practice extends a free consultation to families in the DFW Metroplex and throughout the state.
How We Can Help
Special-Needs Trusts For Children And Adults With Disabilities
A third-party special-needs trust enables you to set money aside on behalf of an adult or child with special needs. Trust funds may only be used for supplemental needs (travel, luxury items and extras) above and beyond what government or private agencies provide. An appointed trustee makes the distributions — the person with special needs cannot have checking account privileges, nor can any other family member access or benefit from the trust. The trust can be established while you are alive or upon your death.
Avoiding The Eligibility Trap
A self-settled special-needs trust preserves the assets of a person with a disability. The assets may include any proceeds of a personal injury lawsuit. This kind of trust also prevents Medicaid or creditor’s liens against the money.
Call 817-545-3425 or email us to arrange a free initial consultation with an attorney at your convenience. We serve clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area and communities throughout North Texas.
Our Special Needs Planning Services
Our Practice Areas
We’ve built a culture that empowers our attorneys to truly connect with clients bringing integrity, insight, and dedication to every case. From Medicaid planning and elder law to estate protection and long-term care advocacy, our collaborative culture drives not only our success but, more importantly, yours.
Hear From Our Past Clients
Don’t just take our word, see what the people we’ve helped have to say.