A special needs trust can be one of the most important tools in a disability family’s plan—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I break down what a special needs trust is, how it works, and why it matters if SSI and Medicaid benefits are part of your loved one’s support system (now or in the future). You’ll walk away with a clear, plain-English understanding of the structure, the key players, the main trust types, and the practical mistakes to avoid.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a special needs trust is (in plain English)
• The problem it solves: protecting eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid
• How special needs trusts work mechanically (trustee control + distribution rules)
• The 3 most common types of special needs trusts:
  • Third-party special needs trust
  • First-party (self-settled) special needs trust
  • Pooled special needs trust
• What a trust can pay for (and where families need to be careful)
• The 5 biggest mistakes that create benefit issues and family stress
• A simple checklist of next steps to get your plan aligned

Helpful next step

If you’re trying to make sure your trust planning fits with the rest of your financial plan—beneficiary designations, titling, ABLE accounts, benefits, and long-term family goals—you can learn more about working with my team here: www.rockwoodwealth.com/snfp