Comerica Trust

Special Needs Trust

Simplifying the Complex

Financial planning and estate planning are complex exercises in the best of circumstances, and the challenges of designing an effective plan are significantly more complex for those with special needs. This financial planning often involves a Special Needs Trust which preserves financial eligibility for government benefits to preserve assets. Experienced professional trustees are often appointed to add further protection.

What exactly are “special needs?"

“Special needs” is a term that can apply to various learning disabilities, cognitive, physical or behavioral issues. An individual may be born with a disability or become disabled later in life due to an illness, medical complications, or a debilitating injury or accident.  The “special needs” designation is often used to ascertain an individual’s eligibility for special services, programs and government benefits. Some individuals with special needs may qualify for government assistance – such as the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program or Medicaid health services – while others may not.

Why Comerica

Comerica understands the complexity of Special Needs Trust administration and the importance of supporting the care of the beneficiary and their family. The Special Needs Solutions team advocates for the beneficiary and partners with the beneficiary’s trusted advisors, ensuring the best possible care and living conditions for the beneficiary, and adjusting care or housing over time as the beneficiary’s disabilities dictate.

Additionally, as a professional fiduciary, Comerica works with others to avoid jeopardizing a beneficiary’s eligibility for needs-based government assistance such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.

Meet Comerica’s Special Needs Trust team

Contact our team of Trust Specialists to learn more about our services or consult with your financial advisor and professionals who specialize in planning for individuals with special needs.

Cameron Lindahl
VP, National Manager, Special Needs Solutions
Comerica Trust

Bio & Contact

Stay informed?

Subscribe to receive timely and relevant Comerica Insights.

All references to Comerica Bank or Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A., shall mean Fifth Third Bank, N.A., successor by merger to Comerica Bank and to Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A. All references to Comerica Incorporated shall mean Fifth Third Bancorp, successor by merger to Comerica Incorporated.

Comerica Wealth Management consists of various divisions and affiliates of Comerica Bank, including Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A. and Comerica Insurance Services, Inc. and its affiliated insurance agencies. Comerica Trust is a unit of Comerica Wealth Management which consists of various divisions and affiliates of Comerica Incorporated, including Comerica Bank and Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A. Strategic alliance organizations of Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A. are neither subsidiaries nor affiliates of Comerica Incorporated or Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A.

Non-deposit Investment products offered by Comerica and its affiliates are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of or guaranteed by Comerica Bank or any of its affiliates, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal invested.

Comerica Bank and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax and legal advisors regarding your specific situation.

The information provided is accurate at the time of publishing and distribution and is subject to change with or without notice.