Special Needs Trusts Special Needs Trusts are designed to protect loved ones who are disabled so that valuable government benefits (SSI and/or Medicaid) available now or in the future are not lost. Since these benefits are generally available only to those with very limited financial resources, Special Needs Trusts are often the only way to protect disabled individuals from loss of government benefits resulting from an inheritance, legal award or substantial gift. Special Needs Trusts are created to maximize government benefits by stating that its purpose is to supplement government benefits and to provide benefits beyond those provided by governmental and private agencies. Without a Special Needs Trust, the government could attempt to seize the inheritance of a disabled person for repayment of services previously provided, or it could determine that the disabled person no longer qualifies for government benefits. If you have a child, parent, spouse, sibling or other loved one who is mentally, physically or developmentally disabled for any reason, he or she may be entitled to governmental benefits that require protection by means of a Special Needs Trust. Initial consultations are available at no cost