Vulnerable Person Trusts

Vulnerable Person
Trusts

What is a Vulnerable Person Trust?

In this scenario, money you leave within a will is held for your desired beneficiaries in Trust. The trustee ensures that the wishes of your will are followed and that your beneficiary receives the money or assets in an appropriate manner. Having assets held by a Trustee has multiple benefits, which we discuss below.

Who is a VPT designed for?

Who is a VPT designed for?

If one or more of your beneficiaries has physical disabilities, learning disabilities, serious mental health conditions or would be deemed unable to manage money independently, a VPT could be a suitable option.

Whilst they are often set up for children, they can be installed for those over the age of 18 where appropriate.


If one or more of your beneficiaries has physical disabilities, learning disabilities, serious mental health conditions or would be deemed unable to manage money independently, a VPT could be a suitable option.

Whilst they are often set up for children, they can be installed for those over the age of 18 where appropriate.


If one or more of your beneficiaries has physical disabilities, learning disabilities, serious mental health conditions or would be deemed unable to manage money independently, a VPT could be a suitable option.

Whilst they are often set up for children, they can be installed for those over the age of 18 where appropriate.


What is a Vulnerable Person Trust?

What makes a VPT powerful?

Cornerstones of protection.

The cornerstones of protection.

Ensures their needs are paramount

Protects the individual

Comprehensive solutions

Provides peace of mind

Enables lifelong support

Long term support network

VPT FAQ's

Who would make a suitable Trustee?

Trustees are going to be the responsible party, managing the proceeds of the estate and deploying them for your beneficiaries needs and life. They should be someone who knows and cares about the beneficiary. They should also have the time and capacity to carry out their responsibilities over a lifetime.

Are there any Tax implications?

In some cases, however for a change, these are generally favourable. If a Trust meets the HMRC definition of a Disabled Persons Trust there are significant tax advanatages. Check out our guide for more detail.

What can a Trustee use the money for?

They have wide discretion. Everything from funding their care, purchasing or adapting property, education, training or therapy. Holidays and leisure activities can be arranged, plus a range of other supporting areas.

How does a VPT impact future benefits?

How does a VPT impact future benefits?

Careful planning now, a better future for them.

Careful planning now, a better future for them.

In England and Wales, there are a variety of means tested benefits. If your beneficiary is entitled to any of these benefits, leaving an estate directly to them within a will or gift would ultimately ensure they no longer qualify for such means tested benefits.

However, passing assets to a Trustee shields the individual and their entitlements. The trustee is a 3rd party and any holding of assets or money undertaken by them is not called into question during any means tested benefits assessment.
In England and Wales, there are a variety of means tested benefits. If your beneficiary is entitled to any of these benefits, leaving an estate directly to them within a will or gift could mean they no longer qualify for such means tested benefits due to breaching capital thresholds.

However, passing assets to a Trustee shields the individual and their entitlements. The trustee is a 3rd party and any holding of assets or money undertaken by them is not called into question during any means tested benefits assessment.

Learn more about the specifics in our guide below.

VPT Guide

What does an Vulnerable Person Trust cost?

Typical Price Ranges

Vulnerable Persons Trust

£800 - £1499

Services levels vary, different providers offer full signing support and registration within the scope of their work.

Find out from your provider before committing to the work.

HMRC registration

£0 - £499

Registration itself bares no cost if you complete it yourself, however if you ask a firm to complete said registration on your behalf they will typically charge up to £499.

Speak to an advisor about Vulnerable Person Trusts today

Speak to an advisor about Vulnerable Person Trusts today

Speak to an advisor about Vulnerable Person Trusts today

This site is provided for free. It does not constitute legal advice in any way. You must seek clarity on your own position before making estate planning of any kind. estateplanningadvice.uk may pass your information to specific 3rd party if you make an enquiry and select this option. Please review our data policy and GDPR policy for more information.

All rights reserved. Estate Planning Advice 2026.

This site is provided for free. It does not constitute legal advice in any way. You must seek clarity on your own position before making estate planning of any kind. estateplanningadvice.uk may pass your information to specific 3rd party if you make an enquiry and select this option. Please review our data policy and GDPR policy for more information.

All rights reserved. Estate Planning Advice 2026.

This site is provided for free. It does not constitute legal advice in any way. You must seek clarity on your own position before making estate planning of any kind. estateplanningadvice.uk may pass your information to specific 3rd party if you make an enquiry and select this option. Please review our data policy and GDPR policy for more information.

All rights reserved. Estate Planning Advice 2026.