My uncle receives SSDI and recently received a large inheritance. Will this money jeopardize his benefits?

Q: My uncle receives Social Security Disability Income benefits. My grandmother recently passed away and left an inheritance to my uncle. Can he accept this large sum of money without jeopardizing his benefits?

A: If he is collecting Social Security Disability based on his work record, the inheritance should not affect the disability income. If, however, he is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the inheritance will disqualify him from receiving benefits. Depending on his age, it might be possible for your uncle to have a Special Needs Trust established for him in order to protect both the inheritance and the benefits.