For those who are leaving behind a loved one with a disability, there are many things to think about, and estate planning must be done especially carefully. Otherwise, your loved one’s ability to receive certain governmental benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, could be significantly compromised after you are gone. You can set up a special needs trust in your will, and avoid these types of problems. While owning a home, a car, and normal personal effects does not affect SSI and Medicaid eligibility in itself, other assets, particularly cash in the bank could disqualify your loved one with special needs from receiving benefits. As an example, leaving that person as little as $10,000 in cash could potentially disqualify him or her from receiving Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits.