The Difference Between SSI and SSDI is More than Just a Letter

Many people, including lawyers, confuse two very different government programs for disabled persons.  Although both are overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are some significant differences  both in how the programs are funded, and to whom  the money is distributed. Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) SSDI is a program for disabled persons.  It… Read More »

Why Use a Special Needs Pooled Trust?

When is it appropriate to choose a pooled supplemental needs trust instead of an individual special needs trust? A pooled trust has many of the same purposes as an individual supplemental needs trust.  A pooled trust is established to provide for a beneficiaries’ supplemental needs without jeopardizing the disabled person’s government benefits. Funds that are… Read More »

Are Schools Prepared for an Increase in Autism-Related Special Needs?

The reported rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has significantly increased and is now expected to affect 1% of children ages 3 to 17, or approximately 1 in every 100 children, according to two recent major studies.  Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a study published in the journal Pediatrics indicate… Read More »

Types of Special/Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNTs)

The terms “special” and “supplemental” are often used interchangeably. Frequently, “special” refers to a first party, or self-settled trust, while “supplemental” refers to a trust settled by a third party which supplements basic food and shelter. Other sources define “special” as one in which the trustee has limited discretion to make distributions, whereas “supplemental” is… Read More »