Expert: Kyla Kelim - 10/12/2008

Question
I am on SSI. I do not get SSDI. I also receive food stamps and Medicaid and I get a Housing voucher. My mom wants to know if she can leave me a special needs trust fund that would be administered by my brother. Would this cause me to lose SSI or Medicaid or food stamps or housing voucher? Which ones would I lose? Thank you very much for your time.

Answer
Teri, yes, that is what the special needs trust is for, to allow you to keep your benefits but have additional funds for things you may need.  Depending upon your state, the trust could be used for things to enhance the quality of your life tremendously.  I encourage your mother to take this step as soon as possible, or to put a provision in her will to set up the trust on her death.

I hope this helps,

Kyla Kelim