UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

Attorney Nancy Shue helps families complete the application process for special needs trusts (such as Wispact) as part of long-term planning for individuals with disabilities. A special needs trust allows individuals with disabilities to receive funds without losing eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

These trusts are designed to:

• Provide supplemental financial support
• Preserve eligibility for public assistance programs
• Improve quality of life through additional services and care
• Ensure funds are managed responsibly by a trustee

PREPARING FOR YOUR CONFERENCE

Before attending the conference, please come prepared with the following:

• Disability determination from the State of Wisconsin (or other state)
• Copies of the disable individual’s benefits statement (which usually is mailed in January)
• Any other public benefits information
• Health Care Power of Attorney or financial Power of Attorney (if any)
• Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid cards
• Any funeral/burial trust information
• Current state-issued identification card, driver’s license or other photographic identification (such as a passport), etc.
• Birth date 
• Social Security number
• Current address
• Names and addresses of the beneficiary’s children, if any
• Current contact information for anyone who would serve in an advisory capacity (and this may be something to discuss at the conference)