Planning for the long-term care and financial security of a loved one with disabilities requires thoughtful legal tools. A Special Needs Trust can preserve eligibility for public benefits while providing supplemental support for quality of life. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman in San Jose, we help families in Cambrian Park design trusts that reflect personal needs, family goals, and California law. This introduction explains what a Special Needs Trust accomplishes, how it interacts with Medi-Cal and SSI, and how careful planning today can protect access to vital benefits without sacrificing supplemental resources for housing, therapies, education, or recreation for the beneficiary.
Every family’s situation is unique and planning should reflect that reality. A Special Needs Trust offers flexibility—covering items that public benefits do not, such as transportation, medical co-pays, personal care items, education, and recreational activities—while avoiding direct distributions that could jeopardize means-tested benefits. We help clients review available trust structures, coordinate beneficiary needs with family resources, and prepare related documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives. With thoughtful planning, a trust becomes a practical tool to safeguard a loved one’s future and provide peace of mind to caregivers and family members in Cambrian Park and beyond.
A Special Needs Trust serves two important functions: it protects beneficiary eligibility for public benefits and it ensures additional resources are used to enhance quality of life rather than replace vital supports. By keeping assets held in trust rather than owned outright by the beneficiary, families can provide for supplemental needs without risking SSI or Medi-Cal eligibility. Properly drafted trusts also name successor trustees and include direction for distributions, allowing parents and caregivers to plan for long-term care, housing, education, and therapies. This careful structuring reduces uncertainty and helps families make predictable choices for their loved one’s future well-being.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman in San Jose focuses on estate planning services tailored to the needs of families across Santa Clara County, including Cambrian Park. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, practical planning, and coordination with financial advisors and care teams. We prepare comprehensive estate plans that often include revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and specialized trusts such as Special Needs Trusts and Pet Trusts. Clients receive guidance through each step so plans are effective, compliant with California law, and responsive to changing family circumstances.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal arrangement designed to hold assets for the benefit of an individual with disabilities without disqualifying that person from public assistance programs. There are different types of trusts serving different purposes, including third-party trusts funded by family assets and first-party trusts that may be required when a beneficiary receives a personal settlement or award. The trust document should clearly state permissible uses for trust funds, such as education, transportation, medical co-pays, and quality-of-life enhancements, while avoiding direct cash distributions that could be considered income for benefits purposes.
Proper administration of a Special Needs Trust requires ongoing attention to record-keeping, distributions, and coordination with government benefits rules that can change over time. Trustees must balance immediate needs for comfort and development with long-term sustainability of trust resources. In addition, some trusts contain provisions addressing reimbursement to state programs upon the beneficiary’s death, while others are drafted to minimize or avoid estate recovery where possible. Families should also plan for successor trustees and provide clear instructions so the trust serves its intended purpose across changing circumstances.
A Special Needs Trust, sometimes known by other names, is established to hold assets for an individual with a disability while preserving eligibility for means-tested public benefits. The trust is intended to supplement, not supplant, benefits such as Medi-Cal and SSI by paying for goods and services that government programs do not cover. Clear language in the trust governing permissible expenditures is essential, as is proper funding and administration. Whether created during a parent’s lifetime or through a trust within a will, the document should align with California statutes and federal benefit rules to achieve its protective purpose.
Drafting a reliable Special Needs Trust includes several critical components: identifying the beneficiary and trustee, specifying permissible distributions, setting rules for trust funding and successor trustees, and addressing state reimbursement policies. The process begins with a client interview, asset review, and choice of trust type, followed by drafting, execution, and funding. Trustees must maintain meticulous records of expenditures and consult benefit rules before making distributions. Regular reviews are also important to account for changing laws, benefit thresholds, or family circumstances that could affect how the trust operates over time.
Understanding terms related to Special Needs Trusts helps families make informed decisions. Important concepts include first-party and third-party trusts, payback provisions, beneficiary, trustee duties, Medi-Cal estate recovery, and allowable supplemental distributions. A glossary clarifies how trust ownership differs from direct ownership of assets and why that distinction matters for benefits eligibility. Familiarity with these terms also simplifies conversations with financial planners, healthcare providers, and government agencies when coordinating care and resources for a loved one with disabilities.
A first-party Special Needs Trust is funded with assets that belong to the beneficiary, such as a settlement or inheritance. Because assets are technically the beneficiary’s, these trusts are often required to include a payback provision to reimburse Medi-Cal for benefits paid during the beneficiary’s lifetime. First-party trusts must meet specific legal requirements to protect benefits while complying with state and federal rules. They are intended to provide for the beneficiary’s supplemental needs while ensuring that prior public assistance obligations are honored according to applicable regulations.
A third-party Special Needs Trust is funded with assets belonging to someone other than the beneficiary, typically family members. These trusts do not generally require a payback to Medi-Cal and offer greater flexibility over the long term, enabling family members to allocate funds for the beneficiary’s future care and comfort. Third-party trusts are commonly used by parents who wish to leave assets for a child without jeopardizing benefits. Careful drafting ensures distributions enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life while maintaining eligibility for public programs.
A payback provision requires that remaining funds in a trust at the beneficiary’s death be used to reimburse the state for medical benefits provided under programs like Medi-Cal. This requirement commonly applies to first-party trusts that were funded with the beneficiary’s own assets. The provision must be clearly stated in the trust document and should describe the order and extent of reimbursements. Families should understand how payback rules may affect remaining assets, and consider estate planning strategies that balance reimbursement obligations with protections for other heirs or causes important to the family.
A trustee is the individual or entity charged with managing trust assets and making distributions for the beneficiary’s benefit according to the trust terms. Trustee duties include prudent asset management, accurate record-keeping, coordination with government benefits rules, and making distributions that enhance the beneficiary’s life without jeopardizing benefit eligibility. Trustees must act in the beneficiary’s best interest and may need to consult professionals regarding investments, tax implications, and benefit compatibility. Selecting a trustworthy and responsible trustee is a central part of successful Special Needs Trust planning.
Families often weigh several legal tools when planning for a family member with disabilities, including Special Needs Trusts, outright gifts, joint ownership, and government benefit programs. While outright ownership can jeopardize benefits, a properly structured trust preserves eligibility while allowing distributions for supplemental needs. Other tools like representative payees or ABLE accounts may also play a role, depending on the beneficiary’s circumstances and income limits. A careful comparison evaluates long-term goals, funding sources, administrative responsibilities, and state-specific rules to select the approach that best protects resources and supports the beneficiary’s needs.
A limited planning approach may be suitable when the beneficiary’s supplemental needs are modest and family assets are small. In those circumstances, simpler measures like a modest third-party trust or carefully structured gifts from trusted family members can provide support without complex trust administration. Families should still consider how transfers interact with public benefits and maintain documentation of expenditures and intentions. Keeping the plan straightforward reduces legal and administrative costs while still offering a measure of protection and additional resources to support the beneficiary’s daily life and occasional needs.
In cases where a beneficiary’s eligibility for public programs is not at risk due to low income or existing resources, families may adopt a more streamlined plan that emphasizes direct support and informal caregiving arrangements. However, even in these situations, it is prudent to document intentions and consider fallback protections in the event of changes in finances or care needs. A limited approach can still include essential documents—such as healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and a simple trust—to ensure continuity of care and clear decision-making authority for caregivers and family members.
A comprehensive approach is advisable when the beneficiary or family faces complex financial arrangements, significant assets, or ongoing medical needs that require sustained funding. Comprehensive planning integrates trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and funding strategies to create a coordinated plan. This thorough preparation helps avoid unintended consequences like benefit disqualification or inefficient use of resources. Families with an expected future influx of funds, such as insurance settlements or inheritances, benefit from advance planning that anticipates long-term care costs and preserves access to public benefits while maximizing supplemental supports.
Long-term administration needs, such as when a beneficiary will require lifetime support, often justify a comprehensive legal plan. Creating durable trust documents, naming successor trustees, and detailing administration procedures helps maintain consistent care standards over time. Trustees may need to coordinate benefits, investments, and distributions while adapting to evolving rules and care needs. A comprehensive plan also anticipates contingencies—such as trustee incapacity or changes in family structure—to provide clarity and continuity, ensuring the beneficiary continues to receive appropriate supplemental support throughout their life.
A comprehensive approach aligns legal, financial, and caregiving considerations to create a cohesive plan that protects benefits eligibility and enhances the beneficiary’s quality of life. By coordinating trusts with powers of attorney, health care directives, and other estate planning documents, families reduce the risk of conflict, confusion, or unintended loss of benefits. A holistic plan also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of trustees and caregivers, establishes procedures for long-term funding and record-keeping, and addresses state recovery rules. The result is a predictable, manageable framework to support a loved one with disabilities into the future.
Comprehensive planning provides peace of mind by establishing clear instructions for distributions, selecting trusted successor decision-makers, and preparing for potential changes in the beneficiary’s needs or public benefits rules. It also helps families preserve the maximum possible resources for supplemental care without compromising government benefits. By addressing issues such as housing, education, transportation, and healthcare coordination ahead of time, families can focus on caregiving and quality-of-life goals, knowing legal and financial arrangements are in place to support the beneficiary through different life stages.
A key benefit of a comprehensive plan is the ability to preserve eligibility for SSI and Medi-Cal while using trust funds for meaningful enhancements to the beneficiary’s life. Carefully crafted distribution standards and trustee guidance mean payments can cover things like therapies, specialized transportation, recreational programs, and other supports. This dual protection—retaining public benefits for core needs while supplementing with private resources—allows families to improve day-to-day living and long-term opportunities without risking critical benefit eligibility that covers medical care and basic living expenses.
Comprehensive planning provides clear instructions for trustees and caregivers, reducing conflict and confusion during stressful times. By specifying distribution priorities, record-keeping expectations, and successor appointment procedures, the trust becomes a practical tool for those who will oversee the beneficiary’s care. This clarity supports consistent decision-making about housing, medical care, and extracurricular opportunities and helps ensure that financial resources are used as intended to enhance the beneficiary’s life. Families gain confidence knowing practical steps are documented for future administration.
When establishing a Special Needs Trust, coordinate closely with the administrator of public benefit programs to ensure trust distributions do not inadvertently affect eligibility. Maintain clear documentation for every distribution and consult current program rules before making payments that could be construed as income or assets for the beneficiary. Keep careful records of expenditures, including receipts and explanations of how each payment supplements rather than replaces benefits. Proactive coordination helps trustees avoid common pitfalls and preserves the intended protections for the beneficiary over time.
Legal and benefits landscapes change over time, so schedule periodic reviews of the trust and related estate planning documents. Life events such as changes in family finances, beneficiary needs, or healthcare requirements can necessitate updates to distribution standards or trustee nominations. Regular review ensures the trust continues to meet its purpose and remains compliant with current Medi-Cal and SSI rules. Updating complementary documents—like living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—maintains consistency across the plan and helps avoid gaps in protection for the beneficiary.
Families consider a Special Needs Trust to protect eligibility for public benefits while still providing for a loved one’s additional needs. Trusts allow funds to pay for education, therapies, transportation, and recreational activities without counting as the beneficiary’s asset for means-tested programs. They also enable parents and caregivers to plan for successor management when they are no longer able to serve. By structuring distributions and naming reliable successors, a trust reduces uncertainty and provides a formal mechanism for managing resources dedicated to the beneficiary’s long-term well-being.
Additional reasons include anticipating future settlements or inheritances, coordinating with retirement planning, and protecting assets from unintended creditors or mismanagement. A trust can be integrated into a broader estate plan that includes revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Planning ahead makes it easier to respond to changes in benefits rules and family circumstances, preserving the beneficiary’s quality of life and easing the administrative burden for caregivers who manage day-to-day needs and long-term financial decisions.
A Special Needs Trust may be appropriate when a family anticipates a settlement, inheritance, or parental estate that could otherwise disqualify the beneficiary from public benefits. It is also useful when a beneficiary receives an award from a lawsuit, a lump-sum payment, or when family members wish to leave assets specifically for supplemental care. Other common triggers include planning for long-term housing, arranging funding for therapies or education, and preparing for a parent’s incapacity or death so the beneficiary continues to receive coordinated support without losing essential public assistance.
When a beneficiary stands to receive an inheritance or settlement, placing those funds into a properly drafted Special Needs Trust preserves eligibility for SSI and Medi-Cal while providing a source of supplemental care. Without a trust, a direct transfer could push the beneficiary’s assets above program limits, resulting in loss of benefits. Trust planning allows families to accept gifts or awards on behalf of the beneficiary while ensuring the funds are used for appropriate supplemental needs and managed according to clear guidelines.
Parents of an adult child with disabilities commonly use Special Needs Trusts to ensure continuity of care after they can no longer serve as primary caregivers. Trusts provide funding for housing, medical co-payments, therapies, transportation, and recreational activities—items not covered by public benefits. Naming successor trustees and drafting detailed administration instructions can provide a seamless transition to new caregivers or trustees, helping to maintain consistent support and quality of life for the dependent adult into the future.
Life changes such as job loss, retirement, or relocation can affect a beneficiary’s eligibility for public assistance. A Special Needs Trust acts as a buffer by keeping assets held in trust rather than owned outright by the beneficiary. This separation shields resources from being counted as personal assets for benefit determination, helping maintain continuity of coverage for healthcare and basic living costs. Proactive trust planning anticipates potential life changes and provides a structured method for protecting benefits during transitions.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves Cambrian Park, San Jose, and the surrounding areas with focused estate planning services tailored to families caring for individuals with disabilities. We assist with creating and funding Special Needs Trusts, coordinating with Medi-Cal and SSI considerations, preparing complementary estate documents, and advising trustees on administration best practices. Our office provides practical guidance and responsive communication to help families navigate legal and administrative tasks so they can concentrate on caregiving and improving the beneficiary’s quality of life.
Clients seek a law firm that understands both the legal complexities and the personal considerations of planning for a loved one with disabilities. Our firm provides clear, client-centered guidance to create trusts that reflect family priorities, comply with California rules, and coordinate with public benefits systems. We work step-by-step to draft trust clauses, name trustees, and develop distribution standards suited to each family’s goals, ensuring documents are practical, legally sound, and ready for administration when needed.
We emphasize communication and collaboration with financial advisors, care providers, and family members to assemble a plan that functions smoothly in everyday life. Our engagement includes preparing related estate documents—such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—to form a cohesive plan. This coordinated approach reduces administrative burdens and helps families feel more confident about the long-term care arrangements for their loved one.
When families face decisions about funding, trustee selection, or interaction with benefit programs, our office provides practical options and clear explanations so clients can decide with confidence. We assist with trust administration steps like funding guidance and trustee training, helping ensure the trust fulfills its purpose. Clients benefit from a consistent adviser who understands California estate rules and the local context of services available in Cambrian Park and San Jose.
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand the beneficiary’s needs, family resources, and long-term goals. We review assets, benefit eligibility considerations, and potential funding sources such as retirement accounts, life insurance, or settlements. After selecting the appropriate trust type, we draft documents that specify distribution standards, name trustees and successors, and address payback or reimbursement matters where applicable. We then assist with trust funding and provide materials for trustees to manage distributions and record-keeping. Periodic reviews help keep the plan aligned with changing rules or circumstances.
The first step is a detailed intake meeting to identify the beneficiary’s current benefits, medical needs, daily living requirements, and family objectives for long-term care. We gather information about assets, potential future gifts, and any anticipated settlements or inheritances. This assessment allows us to determine whether a first-party or third-party trust is most appropriate and to develop distribution priorities that will enhance the beneficiary’s life without jeopardizing government benefits. Clear documentation at this stage supports later funding and administration decisions.
During intake we collect documentation about income, assets, current benefits, and any pending awards or settlements. This includes benefit letters, bank statements, and details about potential sources of funds. Understanding the beneficiary’s eligibility for SSI, Medi-Cal, and other programs allows us to draft trust provisions that align with those benefits. The information also helps pinpoint funding strategies and administration needs so the trust operates effectively to provide supplemental support while protecting benefit eligibility.
We discuss family priorities for the beneficiary’s lifestyle, education, housing, and medical care, as well as preferences for trustee selection and successor arrangements. Identifying potential trustees and discussing their responsibilities helps families decide between individual trustees, co-trustees, or institutional options. These conversations also explore how distributions should be prioritized and documented. Clear early decisions about trusteeship and distribution guidelines make the drafting and future administration of the trust more straightforward and reliable.
Once the assessment is complete, we draft the trust document and any associated estate planning papers, such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and advance health care directive. Drafting focuses on clarity: naming the beneficiary, specifying permissible uses, establishing trustee duties, and addressing payback or reimbursement obligations when required. We review the drafts with the family, revise as needed, and arrange for proper execution and notarization under California law. Proper execution ensures the trust will be enforceable and ready for funding.
We walk through each clause in the draft to ensure it reflects the family’s intent, clarifies trustee authority, and specifies distribution criteria that support the beneficiary’s needs. This review stage provides an opportunity to address questions about payback provisions, successor trustees, and interaction with other estate documents. Clear explanations help family members understand how the trust will operate in practice and make informed decisions about final wording before execution.
After final revisions, we coordinate signing and notarization to meet statutory requirements. We also provide clients with a funding checklist that explains how to transfer assets into the trust, retitle accounts, and update beneficiary designations where appropriate. Proper funding is essential for the trust to function as intended. We guide families through practical steps such as transferring bank accounts, updating life insurance or retirement plan designations, and preparing real property transfers if necessary.
With the trust executed, we assist with funding and provide trustee training on permissible distributions, record-keeping, and interactions with benefit agencies. Trustees receive guidance on documentation practices and reporting to ensure distributions do not jeopardize eligibility. We recommend periodic plan reviews to adapt to changing laws, benefits programs, or family circumstances. Continued engagement can include amendment of trust terms, appointment of successor trustees, or modification of distribution language to reflect the evolving needs of the beneficiary.
Funding the trust involves transferring assets according to the funding checklist, retitling accounts, and changing beneficiary designations where permitted. Properly documented transfers and clear records demonstrate the trust’s intent and protect benefit eligibility. We help families prioritize which assets to fund first and provide templates for account transfer forms, letter templates for institutions, and suggestions for safe record-keeping. A fully funded trust is an effective tool to provide supplemental support for the beneficiary without creating disqualifying ownership.
Trustees receive practical training on how to evaluate requests for distributions, maintain records, and coordinate with public benefit programs to preserve eligibility. We recommend scheduling periodic reviews of the trust and estate plan to make updates as needed. These reviews address changes in benefit rules, family finances, or the beneficiary’s care needs, ensuring the plan continues to meet objectives. Regular check-ins also help trustees feel prepared and supported in administering the trust responsibly over the long term.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal vehicle that holds assets for a person with disabilities while preserving eligibility for means-tested public benefits. By keeping resources in trust rather than in the beneficiary’s name, distributions can be tailored to pay for supplemental items such as therapies, transportation, education, and personal needs that public benefits do not cover. Properly drafted language and careful administration are necessary to ensure the trust enhances the beneficiary’s quality of life without disqualifying them from programs like SSI or Medi-Cal. Trust administration includes record-keeping and distribution decisions that align with benefit rules. Trustees should document each expense, confirm how a proposed distribution interacts with benefits, and avoid direct cash disbursements that could be considered income. Consulting relevant program guidance before making significant payments helps maintain benefit continuity for the beneficiary.
First-party and third-party Special Needs Trusts differ mainly in the source of funds and payback obligations. First-party trusts are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, such as a settlement or inheritance, and often require a payback provision to reimburse the state for Medi-Cal benefits paid during the beneficiary’s life. Third-party trusts are funded by family members or others and typically do not have the same payback requirements, offering greater flexibility for leftover funds to benefit other family members or charitable causes. Both types must be drafted to comply with state and federal rules about distributions and administration. Families should consider long-term goals, potential future funding events, and how inheritance or settlements will be handled to choose the appropriate trust type for their situation.
Whether the state is reimbursed after a beneficiary’s death depends on the trust type and applicable laws. First-party trusts commonly include a payback provision requiring the trustee to reimburse Medi-Cal for benefits provided to the beneficiary, to the extent of remaining trust assets. Third-party trusts funded by others usually do not require payback and may leave remaining funds to family members or charities according to the trust terms. It is important to understand and plan for these possibilities when choosing the trust structure. Families can discuss funding strategies and legacy goals so the trust provisions balance reimbursement obligations with the desire to provide for other beneficiaries or charitable intentions after the beneficiary’s death.
Choosing a trustee involves evaluating who can manage financial matters responsibly and who understands the beneficiary’s needs. Many families select a trusted family member to serve as trustee, possibly with a co-trustee or successor trustee who can step in if needed. Professional trustees or trust companies are also options when neutrality, continuity, or administrative support is desired. Documenting trustee powers, duties, and reporting requirements in the trust helps guide administration and reduce potential conflicts. Trustees should be diligent about record-keeping, coordinating with benefit programs, and making distributions that supplement rather than replace public supports. Training and clear written instructions can make trustee responsibilities more manageable and help ensure consistent decision-making over time.
Life insurance and retirement accounts can be effective tools to fund Special Needs Trusts when structured correctly. Naming a trust as beneficiary of a life insurance policy can provide future funding without direct ownership by the beneficiary. Retirement accounts require careful planning because distributions from retirement plans may be taxable or countable for benefit purposes; naming a trust as beneficiary should be done with consideration of tax and benefits consequences, and sometimes alternative funding strategies are recommended. It is essential to coordinate beneficiary designations, account titling, and trust terms with estate planning and tax advisors. Thoughtful integration of these assets helps ensure the trust receives intended funds and that distributions are managed in ways that complement public benefits.
Trust distributions interact with SSI and Medi-Cal differently depending on the nature and timing of payments. Payments that provide goods or services rather than direct cash received by the beneficiary are less likely to be counted as income for SSI. Medi-Cal rules examine both income and asset levels, so careful timing and documentation of distributions are important to avoid interruptions in coverage. Trustees should be intentional about how funds are used and maintain records demonstrating the supplemental nature of payments. Because benefit rules can be nuanced and change over time, trustees are advised to verify distribution plans against current program guidance before making significant payments. Coordination with benefits administrators, when appropriate, can reduce the risk of unintended eligibility issues for the beneficiary.
If a beneficiary’s needs change, the trust should be reviewed and possibly amended if permitted, or followed with trustee discretion within the document’s distribution standards. Changes in medical needs, living arrangements, or educational goals may require different funding priorities. Trustees should document the rationale for adjustments and confirm that proposed distributions still align with benefit rules to avoid disqualification. Regular check-ins help trustees respond to evolving circumstances while maintaining the trust’s protective function. When significant changes occur, families should consult with their attorney to determine if formal amendments or restatements are appropriate. Updating related estate planning documents at the same time helps ensure consistency across the overall plan and clarity for successors who will administer the trust later.
ABLE accounts are a valuable savings tool for eligible individuals with disabilities, offering tax-advantaged savings that generally do not affect SSI up to certain limits. However, ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits and asset caps that may not accommodate larger funds or long-term planning needs. A Special Needs Trust often addresses broader funding scenarios, larger inheritances, or settlements in ways ABLE accounts cannot, and the two tools can be used together to meet different objectives. Deciding between an ABLE account and a Special Needs Trust—or using both—depends on the beneficiary’s eligibility, expected funding needs, and long-term goals. Families should review contribution limits, eligibility criteria, and how each option aligns with benefit preservation strategies.
A Special Needs Trust should be reviewed periodically, typically every few years or when family or beneficiary circumstances change. Reviews are important after major life events such as changes in benefits, inheritance receipts, relocation, or significant shifts in the beneficiary’s care needs. These reviews ensure the trust terms remain effective and compliant with current law, and they provide an opportunity to update trustee appointments, distribution priorities, or funding arrangements as needed. Proactive reviews reduce the risk of unintended consequences and keep the plan aligned with the family’s goals. Scheduling periodic legal checkups and coordinating with financial or care professionals helps maintain a resilient plan that serves the beneficiary over the long term.
After receiving a settlement for a beneficiary, take steps to protect benefits eligibility by placing funds into a properly drafted trust if appropriate. Immediate actions include consulting with your attorney to determine whether a first-party Special Needs Trust is required, documenting the settlement, and avoiding direct deposits into the beneficiary’s personal accounts. Properly funding a trust can preserve eligibility and provide a plan for supplemental distribution of settlement proceeds. It is also important to coordinate with benefits administrators and follow legal guidance on payback provisions, if applicable. Prompt legal guidance helps ensure settlement funds are managed in a way that supports the beneficiary’s long-term needs without jeopardizing public assistance.
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