IN THE NEWS- NEW LAW EXPANDS ACCESS TO SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

From Disability Scoop..

Tucked inside a larger bill signed by President Obama this week is a tweak to federal law that's designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to save money.

Under the new law, individuals with disabilities cn create a special needs trust for themselves rather than relying on others to do so.

Previously, such trusts needed to be established by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or a court.

The change outlined in the bill known as the Special Needs Trust Act was approved unanimously by the U.S. Senate last year and passed the House of Representatives in September.

But due to some difference in the House version, the measure returned to the Senate and was ultimately bundled within the 21st Century Cures Act, which Obama recently signed.

The option for people with disabilities to create their own special needs trusts takes effect immediately.

:This provision replaces an antiquated law that was unfair and outmoded in its treatment of people with disabilities," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who sponsored the Special Needs Trust fairness Act.

"Those who want and need to set up a trust to help pay for their care should be able to do so, plain and simple," said Grassley. "This measure allows individuals to act in their own interests with their own assets without having to rely on a family member or the courts."