The reason there are several different types of trusts is related to regulations regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a government program that assists people with low incomes who have special needs. In order to qualify for SSI, an applicant or beneficiary can have only $2,000 in his own name. If the person has more than $2,000 in his own name (typically because of excess savings, an inheritance, or an accident settlement), the government allows him to qualify for SSI so long as he places his assets into a first-party special needs trust.  While the beneficiary is living, the funds in the trust are used for his benefit, and when he dies, any assets remaining in the trust are used to reimburse the government for the cost of his medical care. These trusts are advantageous for beneficiaries who are receiving SSI and come into large amounts of money because the trust allows the beneficiary to retain his benefits while still being able to use his own funds when necessary.