Resource Hub

Visible’s Resource Hub includes practical information about special needs trusts – how they function and how they can help you – along with information about disability benefits in each state, answers to our most frequently asked questions, and a series of helpful articles. Request more information or speak to one of our experts today.

Special Needs Trusts 101: Get Started Here

What is a special needs trust? A special needs trust (sometimes called a supplemental needs trust) is a legal arrangement that holds money or property to provide long-term financial security to a person with a disability without those funds being counted as their own by needs‑based benefit programs like SSI and Medicaid. A first‑party special needs trust is funded with the individual’s own money (for example, a settlement, back‑pay, or inheritance in their name), while a third‑party special needs trust is funded with someone else’s money (such as parents or grandparents) planning for the future. Special needs trusts do not…

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State-by-State Special Needs Trust Benefits and Rules

Benefits programs that assist with healthcare and living expenses help families manage overall expenses and budgets and provide important services. These programs are created by Federal law and are administered by each state for the residents of that state. Income programs, SSI and SSDI, are administered by the Social Security Administration offices in each state, and Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers are administered by each state’s Medicaid agency. These programs provide assistance to people based on their income and assets. Special needs trusts help maximize available benefits trust funds do not count toward benefit programs’ income and asset limits.

Select your state from the dropdown menu to learn more:


Benefit Programs Overview:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Optional State Supplements (OSS)

SSI is a federal, needs-based cash benefit for people with limited income/resources who are age 65+, blind, or disabled, administered by the Social Security Administration. Optional State Supplements are additional state payments that may increase the monthly amount for certain SSI-eligible people.

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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI pays monthly benefits to disabled or blind individuals who have enough work history in jobs that paid Social Security (FICA) taxes, and in some cases to their dependents. After 24 months of SSDI entitlement, most beneficiaries qualify for Medicare coverage.

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Medicaid and Medicare

Medicaid is a joint federal–state health coverage program for eligible low‑income people, including many children, adults with disabilities, and seniors. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for most people 65+ and some younger disabled individuals, regardless of income.

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Medicaid Waivers (Home and Community‑Based Services)

Medicaid Home and Community‑Based Services waivers let states provide long‑term services and supports at home or in the community to people who would otherwise need institutional care (such as a nursing facility), by “waiving” certain federal requirements.

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Read Our Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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