First-Party Special Needs Trusts — Built by a Disability-Law Attorney. Backed by a Nonprofit.
First-Party Special Needs Trusts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps adults with disabilities protect a settlement, inheritance, or savings in a self-settled (“first-party”) special needs trust — without losing SSI or Medicaid, and without a $3,000+ attorney bill.
Our Mission
We exist to make first-party special needs trusts affordable and understandable for every adult with a disability who receives money in their own name — from a settlement, an inheritance, or years of careful saving. As a nonprofit founded by a disability-law attorney, we replace confusing legal jargon and four-figure attorney bills with plain-English guidance and a trust document you can have in your inbox today.
Who We Help
• Adults with disabilities who received a personal injury settlement, inheritance, or lump-sum benefit in their own name
• Family members and caregivers helping a loved one protect a sudden windfall without losing benefits
• Attorneys, trustees, financial planners, and benefits counselors who need a reliable place to refer clients for a (d)(4)(A) trust
Why a First-Party Trust
• Required when assets are legally titled in your own name — a settlement, inheritance, or court award — not a parent’s or grandparent’s gift
• Preserves SSI and Medicaid eligibility while keeping your money working for your needs
• Built under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1396p(d)(4)(A)) by an attorney with more than 25 years in disability law
How It Works
1. Tell us about your situation — free, no obligation, 10 minutes
2. Answer a guided questionnaire in plain English, at your own pace
3. Receive your personalized, attorney-built trust by email — ready to sign — along with funding and signing instructions
What’s Included
• A first-party special needs trust drafted to meet federal Medicaid-payback requirements
• Plain-English funding and signing instructions
• Option to add Annual Review or Legal Review of your completed document
• Access to a free 10-minute consultation if you have questions before or after signing
Meet the Founder
Tom Sannicandro, JD, PhD has practiced disability law for more than 25 years and is the parent of an adult son with Down syndrome. He created this nonprofit so families and individuals wouldn’t have to choose between protecting their future and affording to do it.
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Affordable by Design
Attorneys typically charge $3,000 or more to draft a first-party special needs trust. As a nonprofit, we offer the same federally-compliant document for a fraction of that cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a first-party special needs trust?
A trust funded with your own assets — a settlement, inheritance, or savings — that protects SSI and Medicaid eligibility while preserving Medicaid’s right to reimbursement at your death.
Is this the same as hiring a lawyer?
No. We are a nonprofit document-preparation service, not a law firm, and using our service does not create an attorney-client relationship. For complex situations, we recommend consulting an attorney — and we offer a free consultation to help you decide.
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