Does My Child Need a Special Needs Trust Fund?

Mr. Azhar: Generally, estate planning is a preparation of distribution of wealth in the event of a person’s death. However, special needs estate planning is a bit more intricate. It’s designed around the needs of the special child, whereas parents or guardians can leave their assets when they pass, to be used for the maintenance of the child. The plan is child-centric and customizable to suit each child differently. It is carried out via a will, and available only upon the death of the benefactor.

A special needs trust however, can be made available urgently to the beneficiary if anything were to happen to the benefactor, not necessarily death only. It’s considered an express lane for your special child to continue maintaining themselves, of course with the help of a guardian and a trustee.

A: There aren’t different types of special needs trust because each trust is designed around the needs of the special child. Parents can think of the special needs trust as the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle, putting everything in place. A special needs trust can also offer a peace of mind for parents for they know that once they’re gone, their child is secure financially.

A: In the event that the benefactor passes, is missing, or under any other circumstances, the trust will be activated for use as soon as possible by the legitimate trustee. The trustee will then begin the process of carefully assisting the assigned caretaker of the special child financially using the money left by the benefactors in the trust. Calculations are done beforehand by the benefactor and trustee to ensure that the assets left in the trust are sufficient to maintain the child for the rest of their lives.

A: Assets. Money, unit trusts, listed shares, and most importantly, a, or multiple life insurances or policies. Including a life insurance/policy brings stability to the trust and guarantee the child is financially comfortable throughout his or her life.

Other things that parents can include in the trust are payments for guardians or caretakers of the child, day-to-day cost of living, and more importantly, the name of the caretakers or guardians of the child once their parent passes.

One should always be mindful to contact their real estate planner every two years to review and/or if necessary, amend the details of the trust.

A: Don’t wait to start a trust. Start as soon as possible.

A: A special needs trust means that you’ve earmarked certain assets that are to be put in the trust. This will give parents or guardians peace of mind, knowing that their child will still be able to live day-to-day comfortably with the assets left in the trust.

Having a trust set up can ensure ease of payments through a trusted corporate trustee, who will then distribute the funds to the named caretakers or guardians for the use of maintaining the special child.

A: It can pay for a variety of things. Medical needs of the child, therapy, nursing, education, and also day-to-day needs of the child. Other than that, the trust can also pay for holidays or vacations and flight tickets for both the child and their caretaker. Benefactors can also ask the trustee to give an angpau to the child for every special occasion as a token of remembrance for when the parents or guardians are no longer around.

A: Parents or guardians of individuals who are not able to care for themselves currently and in the future. A special needs trust can also be set up for someone other than special needs children such as for the frail and elderly. A special needs trust can be set up by both Muslims & non-Muslims.

A: Assets to add into the trust. One of the most important and stable assets to add into a trust are death or disability insurance policies with high insurance pay out. This can guarantee that your child will be able to maintain themselves if anything were to happen to the benefactor. Other than that, individuals can store cash, listed share, and/or unit trusts in the special needs trust. One should always remember that liquidity is important so avoid adding properties or something similar into the trust.

A: Set up a trust early. Don’t wait for tomorrow, start today because you’ll never know what will happen to you and your child come tomorrow. Once a fund is set up, remember to always review the trust every 1 or 2 years, and take the time to assess the trust to see if it’s enough for the child to live a long and prosperous life, even without you by their side.

Look for professional estate planners. They can help you review and calculate your assets in the trust for your special child. Professional estate planners can also help set up the trust to include your other children, be it special or not, for them to benefit from the trust once you’re gone. Always keep in mind that it’s better to have both a will and a special needs trust because although a will legally will take longer, but a special needs trust can begin immediately after death or disappearance.