A Delaware Trust Agreement — Family Special Needs is a legal document that creates a trust specifically designed to benefit a family member with special needs. This type of trust ensures that the individual with special needs receives financial support and care while also protecting their eligibility for government assistance programs. Delaware is a popular jurisdiction for setting up special needs trusts due to its favorable trust laws and tax benefits. The trust agreement is a legally binding contract between the granter (the person setting up the trust), the trustee (the person responsible for managing the trust), and the beneficiary (the individual with special needs). The purpose of a Delaware Trust Agreement — Family Special Needs is to provide supplemental resources to enhance the quality of life for the individual with special needs without jeopardizing their eligibility for means-tested government programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). By placing assets and resources into the trust, it allows the beneficiary to maintain their eligibility for these crucial programs. Different types of Delaware Trust Agreement — Family Special Needs include: 1. Third-Party SET: This trust is created and funded by someone other than the beneficiary, such as parents or other family members. It allows them to provide for the special needs individual's additional expenses without putting their eligibility for government benefits at risk. 2. Self-Settled SET: Also known as a First-Party SET or d(4)(A) trust, this type of trust is funded with the beneficiary's own assets, often from an inheritance, personal injury settlement, or other sources. It allows the individual with special needs to maintain eligibility for means-tested government benefits while preserving their assets for other needs. 3. Pooled SET: A pooled trust is managed by a non-profit organization that combines the assets of multiple individuals with special needs for investment purposes. Each beneficiary has a separate account within the pooled trust, and the funds are managed collectively, offering administrative convenience and cost savings. When drafting a Delaware Trust Agreement — Family Special Needs, it is essential to outline the specific provisions and guidelines for disbursing the funds in a way that ensures the beneficiary's financial well-being and compliance with government regulations. The trust agreement should also include provisions for a successor trustee who will take over the trust's management if the initial trustee becomes incapacitated or passes away. Overall, a Delaware Trust Agreement — Family Special Needs provides peace of mind to families, knowing their loved one with special needs will continue to have the necessary financial support and care while preserving their eligibility for vital government assistance programs.