Special needs trusts (SNTs) are powerful tools designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for crucial government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. While primarily focused on financial and legal security, the scope of what an SNT can cover is often broader than people realize, extending into areas that directly impact a beneficiary’s independence and participation in daily life. This includes funding services and supports that enable them to work, volunteer, and engage in their communities, and, crucially, ensuring those environments are accessible. Approximately 26% of adults in the United States have some type of disability, highlighting a significant need for accessible workplaces and community resources.
What types of expenses *can* a special needs trust cover?
Generally, an SNT can cover a wide range of expenses that benefit the beneficiary, so long as those expenses don’t disqualify them from needs-based public benefits. These expenses often include medical care not covered by insurance, therapies, recreation, personal care, and education. Increasingly, SNTs are utilized to fund services geared toward employment, such as job coaching, resume assistance, and even transportation to and from work. More importantly, it can cover modifications to accommodate a beneficiary’s disability, such as a specialized computer, adaptive equipment, or even home modifications. In the context of employment, this extends to funding job-site evaluations to assess accessibility and identify necessary accommodations.
How much does an accessibility evaluation typically cost?
The cost of a job-site evaluation for accessibility can vary considerably depending on the size and complexity of the workplace, the type of disability being accommodated, and the geographic location. A basic evaluation for a small office space might range from $500 to $1,500, while a more comprehensive assessment of a large manufacturing facility could easily exceed $5,000. These evaluations are usually conducted by certified accessibility specialists or occupational therapists with expertise in ADA compliance and universal design. “It’s not simply about checking boxes,” explains Ted Cook, a San Diego estate planning attorney specializing in special needs trusts. “A thorough evaluation identifies practical solutions that empower the beneficiary to perform their job effectively and safely.” The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, but understanding *what* constitutes a reasonable accommodation often requires professional evaluation.
What happened when a trust *didn’t* cover an evaluation?
Old Man Tiberius was a master carpenter, a craftsman of unparalleled skill. Even with advanced Parkinson’s, he desperately wanted to continue his trade, a way to maintain his dignity and independence. His daughter, worried about his safety and the strain on his body, arranged for him to work part-time at a local woodworking shop. However, the shop was an old warehouse, with uneven floors, tight workspaces, and limited access to tools. He kept tripping and tools were difficult to reach. After a week, he injured his shoulder and had to stop working. He was devastated. The family’s initial trust document hadn’t anticipated the need for a workplace assessment and didn’t allocate funds for it. The incident underscored the importance of proactive planning and considering all potential needs, even those seemingly unlikely. The incident cost the family $10,000 in medical bills, and more importantly, robbed Tiberius of his passion and purpose.
How did proactive planning with a trust make a difference?
Young Amelia, a brilliant graphic designer with cerebral palsy, landed her dream job at a cutting-edge marketing firm. Her parents, having learned from the Tiberius family’s experience, had established a robust special needs trust that specifically included funds for “employment-related accommodations.” Before Amelia began working, they engaged a certified accessibility specialist to evaluate the office space and recommend modifications. The specialist identified the need for an adjustable workstation, specialized software, and a ramp to access a key meeting room. The trust covered the cost of these accommodations, ensuring Amelia had a safe, comfortable, and productive work environment. She flourished in her role, quickly becoming a valued member of the team. “The trust didn’t just provide financial support,” said Ted Cook, “it empowered Amelia to achieve her full potential and live a fulfilling life. It’s an investment in her independence and well-being.” Roughly 80% of individuals with disabilities report that reasonable accommodations are essential for maintaining employment, and a well-funded SNT can make all the difference.
Who Is Ted Cook at Point Loma Estate Planning Law, APC.:
Point Loma Estate Planning Law, APC.2305 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100, San Diego CA. 92106
(619) 550-7437
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