In this video, our Cook County special needs attorneys explain how special needs trusts are also useful tools in the estate plans of the parents of disabled children. Typically we recommend that the parents’ wills and trusts provide that the inheritance that would normally go to the disabled child be disbursed instead to that child’s pre-established Special Needs Trust. This avoids having a child who is reliant on SSI income lose that income because his or her assets have increased above $2,000.00 as the result of inheritance. If the inheritance instead goes directly into the child’s pre-established Special Needs Trust, the child’s SSI income will not be reduced based on the receipt of the inheritance. It is important to note that in order for this strategy to work, the Special Needs Trust must be created BEFORE the parent passes away.