A Primer on Planning for Special Needs Beneficiaries

by Jeremiah H. Barlow, JD | WealthCounsel

When working with clients who have special needs beneficiaries, it is important to understand how their financial and medical benefits work and how to draft a trust that provides for the special needs beneficiary without jeopardizing his or her benefits.

This article provides an overview of key issues to consider when working with clients who have special needs beneficiaries, such as how governmental benefits work, and the various design considerations within a special needs trust. This topic is of particular importance to the author because his sister and cousin are autistic, and he have designed plans for both his parents and aunt and uncle to ensure the long-term care of their children.