What is a supplemental needs trust?
A supplemental needs trust is a type of trust established in Washington for individuals with disabilities who receive public benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The trust is designed to provide financial support while allowing the disabled individual to maintain eligibility for public benefits. The trust is typically set up by a family member or friend of the disabled individual, who acts as the trustee. The trustee is responsible for investing and managing the assets in the trust. The assets in the trust can be used to pay for items and services that are not covered by public benefits, such as home health care, specialized equipment, and educational expenses. The trust is also designed to protect public benefits and ensure that the disabled individual does not become ineligible for those benefits. Funds from the trust are not counted as income or resources when determining eligibility for public benefits, so the disabled individual remains eligible for those benefits. The trust is also commonly used to ensure that the disabled individual has access to necessary items and services after the death of the trustee. The funds in the trust are distributed according to the terms of the trust document. This can ensure that the disabled individual continues to have access to necessary items and services, even after the death of the trustee.
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