Estate Planning for a Special Needs Child in PA

Estate planning for a Pennsylvania child with disabilities requires layering legal structures so an inheritance enhances life without disqualifying benefits.

Third-party SNT

A trust the parents fund (now or by bequest) that supplements but does not replace public benefits. No Medicaid payback at the child's death.

Letter of intent

A non-legal companion document describing daily preferences, providers, routines — invaluable to future caregivers.

Guardianship and conservatorship

Pennsylvania parents lose default decision-making at age 18. Plan whether to seek guardianship, supported decision-making, or a tailored alternative.

ABLE accounts

PA ABLE allows tax-free savings up to a limit for disability expenses without affecting SSI/Medicaid.