Creating a special needs trust allows families in Brandon and Rankin County to plan for long-term care while protecting eligibility for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. We help parents, grandparents, and caregivers create trusts that support a loved one with disabilities without placing public benefits at risk. At Palmer & Slay, PLLC, we work closely with you to build a plan that fits your family, your finances, and Mississippi trust law.
A properly structured special needs trust can cover life-enhancing expenses, preserve government benefits, and provide continuity of care over time. We focus on clear guidance and practical solutions so you can move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Palmer & Slay
Families choose our firm for special needs planning because we offer:
- Decades of combined estate planning experience in Mississippi
- A strong track record of 5-star client satisfaction
- Local knowledge of Brandon and Rankin County courts and procedures
- Clear explanations without unnecessary legal jargon
- Thoughtful planning that accounts for benefits rules and long-term care needs
- Ongoing support as laws, benefits, or family circumstances change
We approach special needs trusts as part of a larger estate plan, not a standalone document.
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust is designed to hold assets for a person with disabilities without disqualifying them from needs-based public benefits. The trust owns the assets, not the beneficiary. A trustee manages distributions for approved expenses that do not replace government support.
Key roles include:
- Grantor: The person who creates and funds the trust
- Trustee: The individual or organization managing the trust assets
- Beneficiary: The person with special needs who benefits from the trust
Funds are paid to third parties for goods or services rather than given directly to the beneficiary.
How a Special Needs Trust Protects Government Benefits
Many families worry that saving money for a child with disabilities could lead to loss of benefits later. That concern is valid when assets are left outright.
A properly drafted special needs trust helps:
- Preserve Medicaid eligibility
- Maintain SSI income limits
- Prevent accidental disqualification from benefits
- Coordinate private funds with public assistance
The trust supplements benefits rather than replacing them.
What Can a Special Needs Trust Pay For?
Special needs trusts are flexible and can improve the quality of life beyond basic support. Depending on how the trust is written, funds may be used for:
- Education, tutoring, or vocational training
- Counseling and non-covered medical services
- Transportation and vehicle-related expenses
- Technology, computers, and communication tools
- Recreation, travel, and social activities
- Personal care attendants and companionship services
These expenses are carefully structured to comply with benefits rules.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Special Needs Trusts
Choosing the right trust type matters.
Third-party special needs trusts
These are funded with assets belonging to parents, grandparents, or other family members. They are commonly created as part of an estate plan and are often the most flexible option.
First-party special needs trusts
These are funded with assets owned by the individual with disabilities, such as a personal injury settlement or inheritance. These trusts follow additional rules and often include Medicaid payback requirements.
We help you determine which structure fits your situation.
Choosing the Right Trustee
The trustee manages distributions and ensures compliance with state and federal benefits rules. This role carries real responsibility.
Common trustee options include:
- A trusted family member
- A professional fiduciary
- A trust company or nonprofit organization
We help you weigh reliability, availability, and long-term sustainability when selecting a trustee.
Plan Ahead With a Brandon & Rankin County Special Needs Trust Attorney
Special needs planning is about more than documents. It is about continuity, protection, and foresight. We will help you create a trust that works alongside your estate plan and adapts as circumstances change.
Contact Palmer & Slay, PLLC to schedule a consultation and discuss how a special needs trust can support your loved one while preserving eligibility for benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a special needs trust replace a will?
No. A trust works alongside a will and other estate planning documents.
Can grandparents contribute to a special needs trust?
Yes. Third-party trusts often allow contributions from multiple family members.
Can a special needs trust be changed later?
Some trusts allow amendments. This depends on how the trust is drafted and funded.
Is a special needs trust only for children?
No. Adults with disabilities can also benefit from properly structured trusts.