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What a Special Needs Trust Can Pay For.
A Long List of Products, Items & Services Your Child's Special Neets Trust Could Provide Without Adversely Affecting Government Benefits.
Major Categories:
- One home of any value.
- One vehicle of any value.
- Life Insurance polcy up to $1500.
- Burial insurance policy up to $1500.
- Home furnishings & personal effects.
- Property or assets for work or self support.
- Miscellaneous.
The first four categories are self explanatory. The final three are extensive although somewhat nebulous as the Social Security Administration has not defined each category exhaustively.
[All items and services on this page are illustrative. They are not offered as legal advice and should not be construed or relied upon as such. All trustees and parents should contact the SSA before providing these for their child.]
Home Furnishings & Personal Effects —
The definition is extremely broad and almost anything that fits in your child's living space is covered.
Most appliances and kitchen utensils — refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, toaster, grill, pots, pans, dishes, flatware, etc.
Most electronics — TV, DVD player, CD player, computer, printer, radios, clocks, etc.
Most furniture — chairs, tables, couches, beds, lamps, chests of drawers, end tables, coffee tables, etc.
Tools & Property Essential to Self-Support Either as an Employee of Self Employed —
Construction tools — hammers, saws, drills, hand tools, etc. Clothing such as boots, coveralls, rain gear, etc. may not be covered.
Trade Equipment — supplies, misc. tools, work benches, etc.
Also check the guidelines utilized by SSA workers called POMS (Program Operations Manual Sytems) at http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/aboutpoms
Miscellaneous Non-Countable Resources (A Special Needs Trust can pay for these.) —
- Hobby supplies.
- Musical instruments.
- Exercise equipment.
- Cosmetics.
- Cameras.
- Cable television hookup.
- Trips & vacations.
- Expenses for schooling, training seminars & conferences.
- Cultural & entertainment events.
- Other entertainment.
- Car and life insurance payments.
- Car maintenance.
- Home improvements.
- Eyeglasses.
- Physical rehabilitation.
- Annual medical checkup.
- Athletic training.
- Athletic competitions.
- Escorts and personal care professionals.
- Other professional service.
- Necessary dietary needs.
- Club memberships: health, record, video, book clubs.
- Newspaper & magazine subscriptions.
- Transportation: buses, trains, etc.
- Vacations.
Through a Special Needs Trust the parents of a child with a disability can provide many of life's essential fringe benefits, the things that make life enjoyable, without crippling the child's SSI, Medicaid and other benefits.
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