Third-Party vs. First-Party (Self-Settled) Special Needs Trusts

Special Needs Trusts allow individuals with disabilities to qualify for needs-based government programs while maintaining access to additional assets which can be used to pay for expenses that are not covered by those programs. Special Needs Trusts generally fall into one of two categories: first-party (self-settled) or third-party.  A first-party (Self-settled) Special Needs Trust is funded with the disabled person’s own assets such as an inheritance or a personal injury settlement. A third...