Part of a continuing series regarding what can be paid for from a special needs trust.
The most common question a special needs trust client has is, “What can the trust pay
for?” Policies regarding distributions change frequently and differ state to state. What is
allowable in one jurisdiction may cause a disruption of benefits in another. In general, a
special needs trust is extremely flexible as to what it can and will provide. A trustee of a
special needs trust generally does not pay for any good or service otherwise available
through governmental benefits. Governmental benefits arguably provide for the basic
needs of an individual, such as an income, housing, medical benefits, and food.
Professional trustees, in most circumstances, will not issue cash or a cash equivalent,
such as a pre-paid card, due to the immediate impact on the individual’s benefits. The
Trust itself is designed to supplement governmental benefits, not replace them, so needs
that can be met through outside entities should be exhausted first before seeking payment
from the Trust.

Depending on the terms of the trust, a trustee can pay for the basic needs of the
individual under certain circumstances, especially in an emergency where the health and
safety of the beneficiary are in jeopardy. Payments from the trust for the basic needs or
support of the beneficiary may cause a decrease in monthly income or loss of other
benefits. This situation can arise even if no money changes hands. For instance, an adult
child living in his parent’s home rent free may see a one-third reduction of his SSI check
as in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). A trust that owns a home can pay for all
expenses related to the home, including utilities. In most states this will cause a one-third
reduction of the SSI income, but the benefit to the beneficiary outweighs the loss of
income. If there are others living in the home, the trustee may have a lease agreement
and receive rent to help support the home. Overall, the duty of the trustee is to act in the
best interests of the beneficiary and there are circumstances where the benefits to the
beneficiary outweigh the penalties. These types of distributions should be done with the
professional guidance of special needs attorneys so as to minimize any potential negative
impact and maximize the benefit to the beneficiary.

Generally, distributions from the trust must meet several criteria: (1) the
distribution must be for the sole benefit of the beneficiary, (2) in his or her best interests,
(3) otherwise unavailable from other resources and/or no other responsible party, and (4)
be fiscally prudent. Most often clients will inquire about the purchase of a home and
transportation. Can they be purchased by the Trust? Yes. However, it must be done in
light of the considerations outlined above and the purchase of any home should not be
done without professional guidance, and with court approval if the trust is supervised. If
the beneficiary is a minor, the trust does not relieve a parent of their obligation to provide
for the basic needs of their minor child. Even though parents are losing jobs and facing
economic difficulties, the court is generally unsympathetic to requests for funds or
purchases to meet basic needs of the children.

The most important practice tip is that a special needs trust is a very flexible
document in which the trustee has full discretion to act in the best interests of the
beneficiary. Every jurisdiction has its quirks. Even though the trusts are written pursuant
to federal statutory authority, the administrative policies differ greatly between states. An
experienced special needs planning attorney can help set reasonable client expectations,
which are important for the client’s future relations and satisfaction with the Trustee
and/or special needs trust attorney.