New York City Special Needs Trust Attorney

The Law Offices of Andrea Lowenthal, PLLC handles special needs and supplemental needs trusts for clients. Whether the disabled person is your minor or adult child, your parent, or any other important person in your life, you can help improve their quality of life without causing them to lose any governmental benefits to which they may be entitled. You can improve the quality of life now, and long after you are gone, if you plan ahead. I will help you craft a trust that protects both you and your family, and meets the needs of the special disabled person.

I take a vested interest in helping you to plan for the care of your loved ones. With my help, you can plan for the future or immediate needs of your family members, whether they are disabled, young or old, or aging and in need of more support. Contact my office via e-mail or call me today at to begin planning.

What is a Special Needs Trust? Is it the Same Thing as a Supplemental Needs Trust?

A trust established for the benefit of a disabled person is sometimes called “Special” or “Supplemental Needs” Trust, or SNT for short. The primary use of a SNT is to enable either the disabled person herself, or a family member or friend, to have funds set aside that will not diminish eligibility for governmental benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.

Different Types of Special Needs Trusts

There are several different types of SNTs, such as “self-settled” SNTs (funded by the disabled person), or “third party” SNTs (funded by someone other than the disabled person). And within these two major categories there are several different approaches depending on the needs of the person and the source of the funding. There are many other types of trusts that are related to SNTs, including:

• Self Settled Trust
• Third Party Trust
• Sole Benefits Trust
• Pooled Trust

Knowing which type of trust is best for you and your needs is a complicated decision. Sources of funding, choosing a trustee and beneficiaries, understanding the disabilities of the disabled person and his or her needs and the general operation of the trust and payment of benefits are all matters that require careful consideration.

Please call to schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and objectives for a trust, including a special needs or supplemental needs trust.

Disabled Adult Children

Do you have an adult child who is disabled? Whether or not they are living at home with you or another relative, have you made arrangements for their care when you are no longer able to care for them? You already know that you do not have the legal obligation to pay for their care after they are 18 years old, but yet you may have been able use your own funds to help improve their quality of life. Have you considered how to give them the benefit of your estate without their losing access to essential governmental benefits? These and other questions are very important for you to consider now, while you can plan ahead.

Contact My Office for Compassionate Care

I take a vested interest in helping you to plan for the care of your loved ones. With my help, you can plan for the future or immediate needs of your family members, whether they are disabled, young or old, or aging and in need of more support.

My knowledge can be vital to helping you protect your loved ones. Contact my office today to discuss your guardianship and estate planning needs with a compassionate and caring lawyer.