Funds held in a properly drafted special needs trust (SNT) will not affect a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid recipient’s benefits. However, funds disbursed in a manner that violates SSI or Medicaid rules can impact these benefits. It is important to understand what an SNT can and cannot pay for in order to avoid this. Learn more here.

In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it would award nearly $25 million to help fund housing for people with disabilities. Roughly 100 public housing authorities across the country will receive funding. The HUD estimates that this will result in providing affordable housing to more than 2,000 additional qualifying families with non-elderly disabled loved ones.

Many parents and families planning for the care of their loved one with special needs will consider setting up a special needs trust. (Special needs trusts are also often referred to as supplemental needs trusts and SNTs). These trusts allow assets to be left to a disabled or chronically ill person without disqualifying them for certain benefits, such as Medicaid.

A ward of the state is a person under the government’s protection. Children and adults with cognitive disabilities can become wards of the state when they lack a competent parent or trusted person to look out for them and, because of young age or incapacity, cannot care for themselves. Although the term applies to children and adults receiving state support and oversight, the state’s function differs. Learn more here.