Foundations of Special Needs Trusts

Special needs trusts provide for a beneficiary with a disability without jeopardizing public benefits. Sound understanding rests on the purpose, the major trust structures, and the principles of administration. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the purpose of special needs trusts, recognize the major structures, identify the principles of permissible distributions, and understand the role of trustees and professional advisors. What you will learn: - The purpose of special needs trusts including benefits preservation - The major structures including first-party and third-party trusts at a conceptual level - The principles of permissible distributions and what they may not cover - The role of trustees including professional and family options - The role of trust protectors and other oversight roles - The interaction with public benefits including means-tested programs - The signs that suggest consultation with a special needs planning attorney The course uses readings, structural summaries, case examples, and reflection prompts. Each module ends with applied exercises. The course is informational and does not substitute for licensed legal or financial advice. This course is written for parents, family members, and others involved in planning for a beneficiary with a disability. By the end you will have replaced fragmented information with a structured understanding.