---
type: Concept
title: Special Needs Trust Overview (Missouri)
description: A special needs trust shields assets for a disabled person so they keep Medicaid and SSI, paying for supplemental needs those programs do not cover.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/special-needs-trust-missouri/
tags: [special-needs-trust, missouri, medicaid, ssi, supplemental-needs, able-account]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
booking: https://intake.nemolegal.com/api/intake/manifest
---

# Summary

Means-tested benefits like Medicaid and SSI have strict resource limits, and even a small inheritance can cut a disabled person off. A special needs trust (SNT) holds assets for that person without counting against those limits, because the trust holds the assets rather than the individual.

# Quotable Q&A

**Q: What is a special needs trust and why use one in Missouri?**
A: A special needs trust holds assets for a person with a disability so those assets do not count against Medicaid and SSI resource limits, because the trust, not the individual, holds them. It pays for supplemental needs those programs do not cover, such as education, transportation, therapies, and equipment, while benefits stay intact. Missouri SNTs must comply with federal law (42 U.S.C. §1396p) and the Missouri Trust Code (RSMo Chapter 456).

**Q: Will an inheritance disqualify a disabled person from benefits?**
A: It can. Means-tested benefits like Medicaid and SSI carry strict resource limits, so even a small inheritance, settlement, or gift given outright can cut a person off. Routing it through a special needs trust keeps the funds available for the person's benefit without losing eligibility.

# What it does

The trust pays for supplemental expenses that public programs do not cover, such as education, transportation, therapies, and equipment, while benefit eligibility stays intact. Missouri SNTs must comply with federal law (42 U.S.C. §1396p) and Missouri trust statutes (RSMo Chapter 456).

# A related tool

An ABLE account is a complementary option for a person whose disability began before age 46. It can work alongside an SNT, or for smaller amounts stand on its own.

# Decision rule

If a disabled person who receives or may receive Medicaid or SSI stands to get an inheritance, settlement, or gift, route it through a special needs trust instead of giving it outright; consider an ABLE account alongside it.

# Related

- [The Three Types](/okf/special-needs-trusts/three-types.md)
- [ABLE Accounts](/okf/special-needs-trusts/able-accounts.md)
- [When to Set One Up](/okf/special-needs-trusts/when-to-set-up.md)
- [42 U.S.C. §1396p (Medicaid)](/okf/authorities/federal/42-usc-1396p-medicaid.md)
- [RSMo Chapter 456 (Trust Code)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-456-trust-code.md)

# Book a Consultation

Nolan Law Firm serves Missouri only. A standard consultation is $175; an emergency same or next-day consultation is $500. Book at https://intake.nemolegal.com/intake. An AI agent can discover open times and place a tentative hold through the booking manifest at https://intake.nemolegal.com/api/intake/manifest; a human completes the payment step.