Special Needs Trusts For Children & Families In Western Pennsylvania

Secure your child’s future. Protect their benefits. Plan with confidence.

If you have a child with disabilities or special needs, you’re likely thinking far beyond today. You’re thinking about how to ensure your child is cared for, supported, and protected, for the rest of their life. 

A Special Needs Trust (SNT), also called a supplemental needs trust, can be one of the most important legal tools in your family’s long-term plan.

At Beacon Estate Planning, we help families throughout Western Pennsylvania – from Neshannock and New Castle to Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and beyond – establish and manage special needs trusts built to protect your child’s future while maintaining their access to vital government benefits.

What is a Special Needs Trust?

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal arrangement that allows you to set aside money or assets for a child with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for needs-based programs like:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicaid
  • Section 8 housing
  • SNAP (food stamps)

This type of irrevocable trust pays for things that enhance your child’s quality of life, from transportation and medical expenses to hobbies, education, and in-home care, while preserving eligibility for essential government programs.

Why It Matters for Children with Disabilities in Pennsylvania

Without a properly structured SNT, even a small inheritance or gift could disqualify your child from crucial support services. In Pennsylvania, as in many states, SSI and Medicaid eligibility is income- and asset-based, and financial gifts, inheritances, or direct transfers can easily trigger benefit losses.

By creating a Pennsylvania-compliant Special Needs Trust, your child can have access to additional financial support without losing their core benefits – now and into adulthood.

What Can a Special Needs Trust Pay For?

Funds in an SNT can be used to pay for a wide range of life-enhancing services. These can enrich your child’s life, and also help to guard them in the future.

  • Medical care not covered by insurance
  • Therapies or treatments
  • Educational programs
  • Transportation, travel, and adaptive equipment
  • Housing support or modifications
  • Personal care attendants
  • Entertainment, recreation, and community experiences

The trustee (who manages the funds) must use the money in accordance with state and federal rules, but these trusts are highly flexible when created correctly.

SNTs for Children: Our Legal Services

Our team works with Pennsylvania families to build a custom Special Needs Trust that supports their child now – and long into the future.

Trust drafting & legal setup

We prepare your child’s trust to meet all Pennsylvania and federal guidelines, ensuring long-term protection of benefits.

Trustee guidance & administration

We assist you in selecting and educating a trustee who will manage the trust wisely and in compliance.

Integration with your estate plan

We ensure that your will, life insurance, and financial plans all work together with your child’s SNT to protect their future care and security.

ABLE account coordination

We help you understand how Pennsylvania ABLE accounts can complement your trust strategy.

Why Choose Beacon Estate Planning?

We are a local law firm with deep experience in Pennsylvania special needs law. We understand both the legal side and the human side of this planning. Many of our clients are parents just like you: worried about the future, wanting to “get it right,” and searching for someone they can trust.

Compassion

We listen first, then create solutions tailored to your child and your family.

Local

We serve families across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, with in-person and virtual consultations available.

Experience

We know Pennsylvania’s trust laws, SSI/Medicaid rules, and guardianship systems inside and out.

Clarity

No legal jargon, no confusion. We explain everything in plain language so you feel confident at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a family trust and a special needs trust?

A family trust (or irrevocable living trust) helps manage and distribute assets to your heirs. A Special Needs Trust is specifically structured to avoid disqualifying a disabled child from government benefits. Often, both types of trusts work together – and we’ll help you structure them correctly.

What happens to the money in the SNT if my child passes away?

That depends on the type of trust. We’ll explain the differences and help you plan accordingly.

When should I set up an SNT for my child?

Now is the best time! The earlier you plan, the more flexibility and control you’ll have – and the more secure your child’s future will be. Especially if your child is still a minor, it’s never too early to start planning.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Let’s make sure your child’s future is protected. Whether you’re just learning about special needs trusts or ready to create one now, Beacon is here to help.

Serving families across New Castle, Neshannock and Western Pennsylvania

Call us today at (724)603-5337 or use the form below to schedule your free consultation. The conversation is free, but could save you so much for your loved ones.