Kelly Supports Legislation to Empower Special Needs Individuals

Hartford—Yesterday Senator Kevin Kelly testified on S.B. 392: AN ACT CONCERNING ADOPTION OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS FAIRNESS ACT IN CONNECTICUT UPON PASSAGE IN CONGRESS.

“Federal law allows disabled individuals to establish a trust to protect their assets from being counted toward supplemental security income and Medicaid qualification, but only if that trust is established by a parent, legal guardian, or court.” Sen. Kelly stated. “Currently special needs individuals are not allowed to establish the trust themselves.”

“This bill would empower and allow special needs individuals to set up a trust in their own name in order to protect their personal assets and qualify for supplemental security income and Medicaid services that they need.”

“It would remove the requirement that these individuals go to a probate court to have a trust set up in their name which is a time consuming and costly process that involves unnecessary legal fees and court fees.”

“This bill is about fairness. It’s about making sure that special needs individuals get the care they need and are able to protect their assets.”

“The bill will only move forward if Congress acts on a similar bill before them during our legislative session.”

**Senator Kevin Kelly represents the towns of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, and Stratford.