I am going to spend my award quickly - why do I need a trust?

Providing the expenditure you intend to make is acceptable to your benefit agency you may not need to establish a trust. In the event that your benefits agency considers your expenditure to be extravagant or purposeful to rid yourself of funds to create, maintain or increase any entitlement you may be caught under the 'deprivation of capital' rules and treated as retaining funds you have spent. If you are in any doubt as to how your expenditure may be assessed you should seek advice either from an adviser or direct from your benefits agency. Alternatively, by placing your award under the protection of a personal injury trust you will be able to choose how to spend your funds however you wish.

My name is Amy and I am now 24. I have cerebral palsy, which I why I can’t talk or walk. This often means people don’t realise I am otherwise a normal human being.

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My name is David. I’m 52 years old and live with my wife, Lesley, and ‘Bernie’ our very affectionate and inquisitive Jack Russell. I was involved in a serious accident at work in 2005 and broke my back and suffered an acquired brain injury.
I am Jack's Mum and Court of Protection appointed Deputy. Jack has cerebral palsy, which has a profound impact on every aspect of his daily life.
It is rare that the investment of an award of damages is the sole solution to our clients lifetime needs. But the importance of investing an award of damages with a suitable degree of investment risk, in a manner that meets expectations should not be underplayed; it takes many skills, understanding, experience and a tested methodology.

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