Special Needs Trust

A Special Needs Trust (SNT), sometimes called a Supplemental Needs Trust, is a legal arrangement in which a person or organization (like a bank) manages assets for a person with a disability. The person with the disability is called the “beneficiary” and the person who is managing the assets is the “trustee.” Many kinds of assets can be put into a trust, such as cash, stocks, bonds, and real estate. An SNT provides for the needs of a person with a disability without losing or reducing their benefits such as

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI),
• Medi-Cal,
• In-Home Support Services (IHSS), and HUD housing assistance.
  • SSDI? ** No Asset Test

Assets in an SNT won’t be counted toward the SSI, Medi-Cal and IHSS asset limit of $2000 for an individual.

Links & References

• CA Disability Benefits 101
• Transamerica Special Needs Trust Brochure
• Jewish LA Trust & Services *  FAQ’s  *
• South Eastern Trust Company
• CA Department of Health Care Services – Special Needs Trusts 

SSI #Resources & Income Limits

The Aged & Disabled  Medi-Cal program uses SSI countable income rules  as well as a few extra rules you should know. For more information, visit or webpage on the  SSI program, the Medi-Cal section of the Disability Benefits 101 website. ^{CA Health Care Advocates Archive}

Countable resources are the things you own that count toward the resource limit. Many things you own do not count.

1. Have less than $2,000 in Countable assets for an individual ($3,000 for a couple).
   1. Medi-Cal property limitations.
   2.  asset questionnaire
   3. CANHR simpler list
   4. CANHR Fact Sheet
   5. Understanding Medi-Cal’s Asset Test for Seniors and People With Disabilities
   6. Western Poverty Law 
   7. Nolo - SSI Income & Asset Limits
   8. Income SSA.Gov
      1. SSA Site
   9. Our webpage on SSI Resources & Income
2. Have less than $1,271 - 123% of FPL  in countable monthly income for an individual ($1,719 for a couple). ^{ca health advocates.org ADFPL    *  AB 715 Fact Sheet * Western Poverty Law  *} 
   1. Share of Cost if income is too high, but you qualify on asset test?

#Attorney  's that can help you through the Social Security Disability maze

• California Social Security Attorney.org/
• CA State Bar Attorney Referral Service  
• Legal Match.com
• Sellers Law 
• Hill & Ponton
• premier disability.com
• Cantrell & Green

We don't necessarily know these attorney's...

Related Pages 

Life Insurance

• Estate Planning
  • Beneficiary under 18? Is that permitted? Grandchild coverage?
  • Estate & Gift Taxes
  • Living Trust
    • Bank Accounts into a Trust?
• • Executor – Successor Trustee – What are the duties?
  • Sample – Example California Will – Where does your stuff go? Health Care Directive
    • Probate
    • Will Contests – Disinherit a child
  • Special Needs Trust