News Archive - August 2012
Trusts for the disabled
01/08/2012
Like any parent, the parents of disabled children want to ensure that their child is looked after on their death. Depending on the level of disability, this might just mean leaving them some money or assets in your will, or making more detailed provision.
Many disabled people are reliant on state and council benefits, and it is important to be aware of the financial impact that an inheritance could have on your child.
Disability benefits are not means tested, but a relatively small lump sum could affect eligibility for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit. These benefits could be stopped until the lump sum had been reduced (spent) such that it fell below the savings threshold. This would be a waste of an inheritance, as well as causing upheaval and distress.
This scenario can be avoided by using a trust, which can be set up as part of your will or independently.There are a couple of good reasons why it would make sense to set up a trust for your child independently of your will. However, everybody's circumstances are different, and you really need to discuss the options with someone who can explain them for you. The cost of setting up a trust or updating your will is insignificant when you discover the benefit it can provide for your family.
Call Mulberry Financial if you want more information on trusts, or would like us to recommend a solicitor who is experienced in this area.
The material here is for general information only and is not intended to be relied upon for individual investment decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decisions. Mulberry Financial Ltd does not accept any liability for any loss suffered by any user as a result of any such decision.
The information is based on our understanding of current HMRC rules and practices (as at the news article date) which are always subject to change. Taxation and trust advice and Cash ISAs are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This site is aimed at UK residents only.
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