Does SSDI require a special needs trust?
In state of AZ. In process of creating a revocable trust for family members. Beneficiaries are two adults. The estate planning atty told us that, as one member of the family is on SSDI, they will automatically be disqualified for that if they inherit. The atty advised a separate special needs trust to be established for the disabled family member, to be administered by a sibling. The person on SSDI is not mentally incapacitated. SSDI is not based on income. I don't believe the atty is correct. I asked specifically if they were thinking of SSI which is a means tested benefit, while this family member has SSDI. He very confidently claimed it didn't matter if you had SSI or SSDI, inheriting would automatically disqualify and the only way to protect the inheritance is through a special needs trust.