Special Needs Trusts:
Protecting Benefits and Providing Long-Term Care
If you have a loved one with a disability, you want to make sure they are cared for without losing access to important government benefits. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) allow you to leave assets for your loved one while preserving eligibility for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal. At Capital City Wills & Trusts, PC, we help California families create and manage special needs trusts so their loved ones can have both financial security and continued access to vital benefits.
Why a Special Needs Trust Matters
Preserves Benefits — Assets in a properly drafted trust won’t disqualify your loved one from SSI or Medi-Cal.
Provides Extras — The trust can pay for quality-of-life expenses like education, therapy, transportation, and recreation.
Protects Assets — Ensures that inheritances, gifts, or lawsuit settlements don’t jeopardize eligibility for benefits.
Peace of Mind — You’ll know your loved one is cared for even when you can no longer provide support.
Types of Special Needs Trusts
First-Party SNTs — Funded with the beneficiary’s own money, such as a personal injury settlement or inheritance.
Third-Party SNTs — Funded with family assets, such as an inheritance or life insurance, to support the beneficiary.
Pooled Trusts — Managed by nonprofit organizations, combining funds for investment while keeping individual accounts.
We explain each option and help you choose the one that best fits your situation.
Our Approach
At Capital City Wills & Trusts, PC, we:
Draft special needs trusts that comply with California and federal law
Guide trustees on proper administration to avoid penalties
Coordinate with your overall estate plan to ensure consistency
Provide compassionate guidance to families during planning and administration
Take the First Step
If you want to secure your loved one’s future without jeopardizing their benefits, a Special Needs Trust may be the right solution.
Service Areas
Capital City Wills & Trusts, PC serves clients across California, with a focus on Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties, as well as the Bay Area.