pixel

Blog Post

Brian Alterio Lectures On Supplemental Needs Trusts forErie County Bar Association

Mark Nowak • Aug 17, 2017

On August 16th, 2017, Brian Alterio presented at the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Noonday Lecture for the Erie County Bar Association. The lecture was entitled, “Supplemental Needs Trusts For Personal Injury Attorneys”. The lecture was attended by many attorneys interested in learning about how a supplemental needs trust can help their clients in this situation.

A Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) enables a person to maintain eligibility for needs-based government benefits, including SSI and/or Medicaid, when there is a personal injury settlement or verdict. The purpose of the Supplemental Needs Trust is to benefit from the settlement without effecting his or her eligibility for the needs-based programs.

In other words, if a person who receives SSI or Medicaid is injured in a car accident, or as a result of the negligence of another person or company, a SNT will protect the settlement proceeds from interrupting the claimant’s benefits.

Since receipt of personal injury proceeds can effect eligibility for needs-based programs, your attorney needs to understands the benefits of a trust. We regularly engage the expertise of others in the field to assist in establishing and administering the SNT. There is a cost to establish the SNT based on the amount of money involved in the trust. The proceeds may be deposited in a “pool trust” or an “individual trust”. Then, the administrator will allow certain purchases according to the statute. Simply, the trust may be used to pay some expenses but not others.

We understand the need to protect these benefits and are fully committed to obtaining the best results. Don’t forget, a Small Firm can make a Big Difference.


Bicycle Safety and Fun in Numbers
30 Mar, 2024
Bicycling can be intimidating. Whether on trails or in the city, try group biking. It has advantages: it may be safer than riding solo, it’s an opportunity to network, and see the sights around Western New York.
30 Mar, 2024
If you’re looking to connect with other bicyclists, shops, or even leave with a new ride, check out Western New York’s bike swaps. The next annual event will be held on Sunday, April 7 th at Resurgence Brewing Company on Chicago Street . The Swap is the best place to buy gently used parts, sell parts or bikes you may not use anymore, or even just talk bikes with fellow riders. This family-friendly event begins at noon and goes until 4pm. It’s a great place to keep up on current bike safety tips, trail recommendations, and bike maintenance. Check out the WNY Mountain Biking Association page for more information on buying and selling bicycles and parts at the event. If you have unused bicycles or parts you wish to donate, the association will take them after the event has ended. Their page also posts the biggest and best bicycle meet-ups and trail riding groups. It’s an easy way to make cycling friends and ride in numbers on trails and around the city. See our blog about upcoming group rides for more information.
Small Talk: Is Your Bike Ready for Spring?
30 Mar, 2024
The birds are coming out and so are cyclists across New York State. Spring is making its way to Buffalo and it’s time to tune-up your wheels.
10 Oct, 2023
Small Law Firm is a personal injury law firm serving Buffalo, NY. Click here to learn more about the things you need to know for your accident case.
02 May, 2023
A cool article in the Wall Street Journal last week triggered this quick blog. We all know that bicyclists have a few necessities. Some are for safety and some even required by New York law. Did you know that a “bike bell” is required by the New York VTL §1236? If you need one, look at the Spurcycle Bell, at Spurcycle.com, or at Amazon.com, for $32 and up. A helmet is required for those through age 14, according the VTL 1238(5), unless otherwise required by the locality you are in. See, giro.com, for a Giro Register, designed with an extra internal liner which can minimize the amount of rotational forces your head experiences in a crash. There are, of course, many options in this category. But we recommend them for all riders no matter the age. Along with each of the items in this blog, The Wall Street Journal also recommended a bike helmet mirror that is kind of cool looking and very adjustable. See, Safe Zone Helmet Mirror — Efficient Velo Tools (EVT) . (WSJ, 4/1/23, Off Duty, D15) Bike locks are worthwhile, too, if you worry about your bike being stolen from the local bike rack. So, for a really good lock, try The Kryptonite New-U New York, sold at REI.com. It’s very sturdy and a solid deterrent to taking your bike. But, if you want a “bike alarm” and want to track your bike if it is stolen, see, US.Knog.com, for the “Knog Scout”. This is a bike alarm and finder. Of course, there are many bike products on-line and in the bike stores similar to these. Find what you need and bike safely!
A Paraplegic on Skis
23 Mar, 2023
Last Friday, with the assistance of The Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley, I made a positive difference in someone’s life.
28 Feb, 2023
Small Law Knows Bike Shops!
11 Feb, 2023
If you are looking for a winter activity but skiing and snowboarding isn’t for you, snowshoeing and Cross Country skiing are a great winter alternatives. No matter your skill level, experience all that WNY has to offer in the colder months and at one of the abundance of places the region has to offer.
By lemaster 12 Sep, 2022
Cross in the Park
By lemaster 25 Aug, 2022
The bicycle accident lawyers at The Small Law Firm have collected the top ten rules of bike riding. We assist clients in the Niagara Falls, NY region.
More Posts
Share by: