Non-special needs trusts typically give trustees the power to make distributions for the beneficiary’s health, education, maintenance, and support (known as the HEMS standard), or other reasons the trustee deems appropriate. Special needs trusts cannot include the HEMS standard; allowing the trust to pay for the beneficiary’s medical care would supplant the need for Medicaid and render the beneficiary ineligible. That’s why we say SNT distributions are meant to supplement other benefits the beneficiary may receive, but never supplant them. Distributions from special needs trusts are typically made to pay for not covered by needs-based public assistance but would enhance the beneficiary’s quality of life, such as vacations, tickets to the theater, a cell phone, etc.