Absolutely, a special needs trust can, and often should, support navigation tools and travel training for beneficiaries, fostering independence and improving their quality of life. These trusts, also known as Supplemental Needs Trusts, are specifically designed to enhance, not replace, government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. This means funding can be allocated for services that promote self-sufficiency without disqualifying the beneficiary from crucial assistance programs. According to the National Disability Rights Network, approximately 61 million adults in the United States live with disabilities, and access to independent living resources is a critical need for many of them.
What travel training resources can a special needs trust fund?
A wide range of resources fall under this umbrella. This includes expenses for travel training programs themselves, which teach individuals with disabilities how to use public transportation, navigate unfamiliar environments, and handle potential challenges. Funding can also cover assistive technology like GPS devices specifically designed for individuals with cognitive impairments, smartphone apps that provide step-by-step directions with visual and auditory cues, and even personal orientation and mobility (O&M) services from certified professionals. Consider the cost of a comprehensive travel training program can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the intensity and duration. “It’s not just about getting from point A to point B,” explains Steve Bliss, an Estate Planning Attorney in Wildomar, “it’s about building confidence and opening up opportunities for social interaction, employment, and personal fulfillment.”
What are the limits to funding travel-related expenses?
While a special needs trust offers flexibility, it’s crucial to adhere to guidelines to protect the beneficiary’s public benefits. The trust cannot directly provide funds for things like owning a vehicle or paying for a driver’s license, as that would be considered an unallowed asset. Instead, funding should focus on enabling *access* to transportation, not providing it. For instance, a trust could pay for ride-sharing services (like Uber or Lyft) as part of a travel training program, or for bus passes, but not for the purchase of a van. It’s also important to document all expenses meticulously, demonstrating that they are directly related to enhancing the beneficiary’s independence and not replacing essential needs covered by government programs. According to the Social Security Administration, improper trust administration can lead to benefit disqualification, highlighting the importance of professional guidance.
I remember Mrs. Gable, a lovely woman who had a son, Michael, with Down syndrome; she’d always worried about what would happen when she was no longer able to drive him to his volunteer job at the local animal shelter.
She’d tried enrolling him in a travel training program, but the program needed a funding source, and her limited income made it impossible. Michael was capable of learning the bus route, but without the financial support for lessons and practice rides, the opportunity slipped away. He became increasingly withdrawn, losing a vital source of purpose and social interaction. It wasn’t until Mrs. Gable worked with Steve Bliss to create a special needs trust, specifically allocating funds for travel training, that Michael was finally able to gain the skills and confidence to independently reach his volunteer position. The transformation was remarkable; he blossomed, becoming more engaged and self-reliant. She’d always wanted him to be able to do things independently and the travel training made it all possible.
Thankfully, a similar situation was averted for the Henderson family, who proactively planned for their daughter, Emily, who has autism.
Emily was a bright young woman eager to attend a community college program, but she had significant anxiety about navigating public transportation. The Hendersons worked with Steve Bliss to establish a special needs trust that included a dedicated budget for travel training and assistive technology. The trust funded intensive lessons with a mobility specialist, who taught Emily how to use a GPS app and practice the bus route. They also purchased a noise-canceling headset to help her manage sensory overload during her commute. As a result, Emily successfully completed the program and secured a part-time job, gaining valuable skills and independence. The foresight of the Henderson family, combined with the strategic planning of the trust, empowered Emily to achieve her goals and live a fulfilling life. It was truly rewarding to see the family’s proactive approach yield such positive results.”
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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
My skills are as follows:
● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.
● Estate Planning Law: Minimize taxes & distribute assets smoothly.
● Trust Law: Protect your legacy & loved ones with wills & trusts.
● Bankruptcy Law: Knowledgeable guidance helping clients regain financial stability.
● Compassionate & client-focused. We explain things clearly.
● Free consultation.
Services Offered:
estate planning
living trust
revocable living trust
family trust
wills
estate planning attorney near me
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RdhPJGDcMru5uP7K7
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Address:
Wildomar Probate Law36330 Hidden Springs Rd Suite E, Wildomar, CA 92595
(951)412-2800/address>
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What’s the best way to leave money to minor children?” Or “Who is responsible for handling probate?” or “Can a living trust help me avoid probate? and even: “Do I have to go to court if I file for bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.