Absolutely, a special needs trust can, and often *should*, support training programs for using adaptive technology, ensuring beneficiaries can maximize the benefits of these crucial tools and maintain a higher quality of life. These trusts, also known as Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNTs), are specifically designed to supplement, not replace, government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, allowing beneficiaries with disabilities to enjoy resources without disqualifying them from essential aid. Funding for adaptive technology training falls squarely within the scope of permissible trust expenditures, aiming to enhance the beneficiary’s independence, education, and overall well-being. Roughly 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability, and access to appropriate technology and training can significantly improve their participation in daily life, according to the CDC.
What types of adaptive technology training can a trust fund?
The range of adaptive technology training a special needs trust can cover is broad. It extends beyond simply purchasing the equipment. Consider, for example, a young man named David, born with cerebral palsy. He received a communication device through his trust – a sophisticated system that translated eye movements into speech. But the device sat largely unused for months. It wasn’t the technology itself that was the problem; it was the lack of skilled training for David *and* his caregivers. Eventually, funding from the trust was allocated for specialized speech therapy sessions focused on mastering the device. Within weeks, David was communicating his wants and needs, participating more fully in family conversations, and experiencing a newfound sense of agency. Funding training could include: assistive listening devices, screen readers, voice recognition software, specialized computer access tools, and mobility aids. “Investing in training is like giving someone the keys to a car and then showing them how to drive,” says Steve Bliss, a Wildomar estate planning attorney specializing in special needs trusts.
How does funding training affect government benefits?
One of the primary concerns when dealing with trusts for individuals receiving government benefits is ensuring that trust expenditures do not jeopardize eligibility. Fortunately, training programs for adaptive technology are generally considered “non-countable” resources. This means the cost of the training does not count towards the asset limits for SSI or Medicaid. The key is structuring the funding correctly. Rather than directly giving the beneficiary funds to pay for training, the trust should pay the training provider directly. This ensures the funds are used for permitted expenses and don’t become “available” to the beneficiary, which could impact their benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, approximately 8.3 million people receive SSI benefits, and maintaining eligibility is paramount for many families.
What happens if a trust doesn’t cover training?
Old Man Tiberius was a seasoned woodworker, his hands calloused but nimble. Following a stroke, he found himself unable to continue his craft, deeply saddened by his loss of independence. His family had established a special needs trust years before, but it focused primarily on covering medical expenses and basic living needs. They hadn’t considered funding for assistive technology training. Despite having a tablet and some accessibility features, he couldn’t navigate the software to access online woodworking tutorials. Frustration mounted, and he withdrew into himself. This highlighted a critical oversight – the trust had provided resources, but not the *means* to utilize them effectively. The result was a diminished quality of life and a growing sense of helplessness. This scenario illustrates a common pitfall; simply acquiring the technology isn’t enough. Proper training is essential to unlock its potential.
How can proper planning ensure successful technology integration?
Luckily, Tiberius’s daughter, Eleanor, reached out to Steve Bliss for guidance. They amended the trust document to specifically include funding for adaptive technology training. A certified assistive technology specialist was brought in to assess Tiberius’s needs and create a personalized training plan. He learned to use voice commands to access woodworking websites, watch tutorials, and even design simple projects with adaptive software. He quickly rediscovered his passion, found new ways to express his creativity, and reconnected with a supportive online community of fellow woodworkers. “It wasn’t just about learning to use the technology,” Eleanor explained. “It was about regaining his dignity and sense of purpose.” By proactively including funding for training in the trust document, they ensured that Tiberius not only received the tools he needed but also the support to use them effectively. A well-structured special needs trust, with a focus on holistic support, can truly empower beneficiaries to live fuller, more independent lives, and ensure resources are used to maximize their potential.
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About Steve Bliss at Wildomar Probate Law:
“Wildomar Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Wildomar Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Wildomar Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Wildomar Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Wildomar Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Wildomar Probate Law is a great estate lawyer. Probate Attorney to probate an estate. Wildomar Probate law probate lawyer
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Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What happens to my debts when I die?” Or “Are retirement accounts subject to probate?” or “Can I put jointly owned property into a living trust? and even: “What are the different types of bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.