North Dakota Living Trust with Provisions for Disability, also known as a North Dakota Special Needs Trust or Supplemental Needs Trust, is a legal arrangement designed to protect assets and provide for individuals with disabilities. A North Dakota Living Trust with Provisions for Disability allows the granter to transfer ownership of their assets into a trust, which is managed by a trustee. The trust can be funded with various assets such as real estate, investments, bank accounts, or personal property. The purpose of the trust is to ensure that the disabled individual can maintain their eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while also having access to additional funds for supplemental needs. There are different types of North Dakota Living Trusts with Provisions for Disability, each with its own unique features and purposes. These may include: 1. First-Party Special Needs Trust: This type of trust is established with the assets owned by the disabled individual. It is typically funded with a settlement from a personal injury lawsuit, inheritance, or other source of funds belonging to the beneficiary. 2. Third-Party Special Needs Trust: Unlike the first-party trust, the third-party trust is funded with assets owned by someone other than the beneficiary. It is commonly created by a parent, grandparent, or other family member to provide for the future needs of the disabled individual while preserving their eligibility for government benefits. 3. Pooled Special Needs Trust: A pooled trust is a type of special needs trust managed by a nonprofit organization. It combines the assets of multiple beneficiaries into a single trust, which is then invested and managed together. This option is suitable for individuals who cannot create their own trust or do not have a suitable trustee. The key provisions included in a North Dakota Living Trust with Provisions for Disability may differ depending on the specific needs and goals of the granter and beneficiary. However, common provisions often include: 1. Discretionary Distributions: The trustee has the authority to make decisions regarding the disbursement of funds from the trust. This enables the trustee to ensure that the beneficiary's needs are met without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. 2. Supplemental Needs: The trust can provide for supplemental needs not covered by government programs, such as education, transportation, recreation, personal care attendants, and companionship. 3. Medicaid Payback Provision: To ensure Medicaid eligibility, the trust may include a provision stating that any remaining assets in the trust upon the beneficiary's death will be used to reimburse Medicaid for the benefits it provided. 4. Successor Beneficiaries: The trust can designate who will receive any remaining trust assets after the beneficiary's death. This can be other family members, charities, or even another trust established for their own dependents with disabilities. In conclusion, a North Dakota Living Trust with Provisions for Disability is a valuable tool for individuals with disabilities to protect their assets, maintain eligibility for government benefits, and provide for their supplemental needs. Whether it is a first-party, third-party, or pooled special needs trust, the provisions within the trust ensure the beneficiary's welfare and security in the long term.