Special Needs Trust Attorney in Pennsylvania
If you have a loved one with a disability, leaving them money directly can cause unintended harm—potentially disqualifying them from critical benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) ensures they are cared for financially while preserving access to these essential programs.
At Chadwick Estate Law, we help families across Wayne, the Main Line, and greater Philadelphia establish and administer special needs trusts that protect both assets and benefits. With advanced tax and estate training from Georgetown University Law Center and experience advising trustees and beneficiaries at an AmLaw 100 firm, Bass Chadwick provides the technical skill and personal guidance these trusts require.
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A Special Needs Trust (also called a Supplemental Needs Trust) is designed to hold funds for a person with disabilities without counting those funds as their personal assets for eligibility purposes.
The trust pays for supplemental needs—things that improve quality of life but aren’t covered by public benefits, such as:
Therapies and medical equipment not covered by insurance
Educational programs and vocational training
Transportation, travel, and recreation
Personal care attendants and specialized services
Housing support beyond Medicaid’s limitations
Types of Special Needs Trusts
First-Party SNT — Funded with the beneficiary’s own assets (e.g., personal injury settlement, inheritance). Federal law requires that Medicaid be reimbursed from any remaining funds at the beneficiary’s death.
Third-Party SNT — Funded by parents, grandparents, or others for the benefit of a disabled loved one. No Medicaid payback provision; remaining assets can pass to other heirs.
Pooled Trusts — Managed by nonprofit organizations; assets are combined for investment but accounted for separately. Often used when funding is modest or a professional trustee is desired.
Why Families Choose Special Needs Trusts
Protect Benefits — Avoid disqualification from SSI and Medicaid.
Provide Quality of Life — Pay for additional care, support, and opportunities.
Reduce Family Stress — Trustees, not family members, handle distributions under court-compliant guidelines.
Plan for the Future — Ensure care continues if parents or guardians pass away.
FAQs
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Yes. If someone with disabilities receives assets directly, it may disqualify them from benefits. A properly structured SNT prevents this.
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A parent, family member, trusted friend, or professional/corporate trustee. Trustees must understand strict distribution rules to avoid disqualifying the beneficiary
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A first-party trust uses the beneficiary’s own funds and must repay Medicaid upon death. A third-party trust uses someone else’s funds (like a parent’s) and has no payback requirement.
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Yes. Many families name the trust as beneficiary of a life insurance policy to provide long-term funding.
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Some SNTs require Orphans’ Court approval, especially first-party trusts. We handle compliance and filings to ensure validity.
Protect Your Legacy with a Plan You Understand
Call 215-277-0888, email Bass or fill out this form to get started.
