Individual Special Needs Trusts

Professional Trustee Services That Protect Benefits and Support Independence

An Individual Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a powerful tool that allows trust assets to be used for the benefit of a person with a disability without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These trusts are often created through a court proceeding, by a family member’s planning documents, or under specialized circumstances outlined in federal law. Individual trusts can have unique assets, customized investment strategies and can often maintain the family investment advisor relationship.

At Guardian Trust Foundation, we offer experienced trustee services for qualifying Individual Special Needs Trusts — bringing compliance expertise, fiduciary integrity, and personal attention to every trust we administer.

What is an Individual Special Needs Trust?

 An Individual Special Needs Trust is a separately administered trust established for the benefit of a person with a disability. By design, the trust holds assets for the beneficiary’s supplemental needs while preserving eligibility for government programs that require strict resource and income limits.

Unlike pooled trusts, an individual trust is not combined with other beneficiaries’ accounts. Instead, it is tailored specifically to the trust language and goals set by the trust creator.  “Flexibility” is the key for the individual special needs trust.

When is an Individual Trust appropriate?

Guardian Trust Foundation may serve as Trustee of an Individual Special Needs Trust when:

• The trust meets the criteria for a self-settled (first party) trust under federal law, OR
• The trust is a third-party Special Needs Trust, and
• The liquid assets of the trust exceed $500,000

If the criteria above are not met, our team can help evaluate whether a Pooled Special Needs Trust may be a suitable alternative.

What Services We Provide

When you appoint Guardian Trust Foundation as Trustee, you receive:

Fiduciary Administration
Professional oversight that protects the integrity of the trust and adheres to program rules.

Benefit-Preserving Distributions
We work carefully to ensure that distributions enhance quality of life without jeopardizing public benefit eligibility.

Detailed Recordkeeping
Accurate tracking of transactions and reporting that supports transparency for families and advisors.

Coordination With Advisors
We proactively communicate and collaborate with attorneys, guardians, family members, care professionals and financial advisors.

Compliance Monitoring
Ongoing review of trust activity to ensure compliance with changing benefit rules and legal requirements.