Special Needs Trusts explains the features of a trust designed for beneficiaries who are disabled, either physically or mentally. The course demonstrates how the trust is written so the beneficiary can enjoy the use of property that is held in the trust for his or her benefit, while at the same time allowing the beneficiary to receive essential needs-based government benefits.  It covers the language commonly found in special needs trusts, the impact of special needs trusts on family members and beneficiaries, and the tax ramifications. This course also outlines how to walk clients through the special needs trust planning process to focus their attention on the details of planning for the future of disabled or special needs family members.

Audience: Trust officers with at least three years of personal trust experience who need a deeper understanding of technical trust concepts and how solutions work when applied to client needs.

Learning Objectives: After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Describe how special needs trusts are used to meet client objectives
• Describe the planning process for creating special needs trusts