What is a supplemental needs trust?

A supplemental needs trust (SNT) is a trust that allows someone with a disability to receive additional support without losing access to public benefits. In Maryland, the Maryland Trust Act of 1992 governs the creation and operation of SNTs. SNTs are typically created by the parents, grandparent, or legal guardian of a disabled beneficiary. An SNT allows a person with a disability to receive supplemental and additional support beyond that which is provided by public benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid. This extra support can include additional financial and medical assistance, as well as other forms of help, such as educational or vocational training. The trust is set up in such a way that the assets in the trust are not considered by the government to be the "personal resources" of the disabled beneficiary. This means that those assets do not reduce the amount of public benefits the beneficiary is eligible for. In addition, SNTs are designed to ensure that the disabled beneficiary does not become overly dependent on the trust. The trust itself can not be used to purchase goods or services for the beneficiary, or to make asset transfers to the beneficiary or other people. Instead, the trust must be managed by an appointed trustee who will use the funds to meet the beneficiary’s needs, such as medical expenses, educational needs, or other activities related to the beneficiary’s disability.

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What is a supplemental needs trust?

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