Although I don’t claim to be an expert on the topic, I have consulted with a number of attorneys to better understand these trusts, and I believe your article may not have provided some important, basic information. It should be noted that the trust money can never be used for food, clothing or shelter. While I find this criteria a bit ridiculous, it is nonetheless a fact that these necessities are supposed to be provided by the meager government benefits. So when you make reference in your article to restaurants, I question your accuracy.

Also, readers should be made aware of the fact that there exists an additional type of special needs trust which is self-funded and equally as important. What happens if a well-meaning but uninformed friend or relative gives or wills assets to the disabled child? In a case like this, instead of the child losing his government benefits, he can transfer these assets into this self-funded trust. It functions similarly to the trust described in your article, but upon the disabled child’s death, the government (Medicaid) is entitled to reimburse itself for all the benefits it provided during the lifetime of the child. This self-funded trust must be established by the parents during their lifetime (not in their wills). Please share this important information with your readers.

Leslee Rudnick
Boston, Mass.

Worth welcomes your comments, critiques and suggestions. Please direct your letters to letters@worth.com.