A special needs trust—also known as a supplemental needs trust—is an irrevocable trust designed to provide supplemental income for a designated beneficiary who is physically disabled, mentally disabled, has chronic illness, or has other special needs and is receiving or may be eligible to receive government benefits—such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, or Medicaid.

A special needs trust is often created by parents of a disabled child, with the trust prohibiting distributions from being used for the child’s food, clothing, or shelter to ensure the child (or adult) remains eligible for related government benefits. A special needs trust must be created before the beneficiary reaches the age of 65.

In Rhode Island, a special needs trust (SNT), also known as a supplemental needs trust, is a legal arrangement that allows individuals with disabilities to have financial resources managed on their behalf without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, or Medicaid. These trusts are designed to provide for the extra and supplemental needs of the beneficiary, beyond what government benefits cover, without disqualifying them from receiving such benefits. The trust assets can be used for a variety of life-enhancing expenditures without compromising the beneficiary's eligibility. Rhode Island adheres to federal guidelines regarding SNTs, which stipulate that the trust must be irrevocable and must be established before the beneficiary turns 65. Parents, grandparents, legal guardians, or a court can establish an SNT. It is important to ensure that the trust is properly set up and administered in accordance with both federal and state regulations to maintain the beneficiary's benefit eligibility. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in special needs planning is advisable to navigate the complexities of establishing and managing a special needs trust in Rhode Island.