“The Yellow Wallpaper” is an unsettling short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Narrated by an unnamed woman suffering from postpartum depression, it explores themes of mental illness, confinement, and the oppressive societal expectations placed on women in the late 19th century.

The woman is confined to a nursery room with peeling yellow wallpaper, described by the narrator as containing “sprawling flamboyant pattern[s] committing every artistic sin.” As her mental health deteriorates, she becomes convinced that a woman is trapped behind the wallpaper, a symbol of her entrapment and desire for freedom. The story culminates in the narrator’s belief that she is the woman trapped in the wallpaper.

This story is often cited as an example of gothic fiction exploring themes of mental health and powerlessness. The American author Alan Ryan once said it “may be a ghost story. Worse yet, it may not.”

The feeling of powerlessness is a common challenge faced by those living with mental illness. A special needs or supplemental needs trust is a legal tool designed to provide financial support for individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for government benefits. For individuals with mental health disorders, these trusts can be particularly valuable in ensuring a stable and fulfilling life.

One of the primary benefits of a special needs trust is that it allows individuals to benefit from resources without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. These benefits are often crucial for individuals with mental health disorders, as they may require ongoing support for medical expenses, housing, and other essential needs. Individuals can receive additional financial resources by establishing a special needs trust without losing eligibility for these vital programs.

Furthermore, a special needs trust can provide flexibility in asset management. Unlike government benefits, which may have strict rules regarding how funds can be used, a special needs trust allows for greater control over how assets are spent. This can be especially important for individuals with mental health disorders who may have unique needs or preferences. For example, a trust can fund specialized therapies, assistive technology, or recreational activities that can improve quality of life. When describing how a special needs trust can improve a beneficiary’s life, I often liken governmental benefits to the “cake,” or the foundation for a beneficiary’s care, and that a special needs trust can pay for the “frosting,” providing an extra layer of support for the beneficiary.

In addition to financial benefits, special needs trusts can also provide peace of mind for families of individuals with mental health disorders, knowing that their loved one’s financial future is secure. Moreover, a special needs trust can help ensure the family’s wishes regarding the care and legacy of the beneficiary are respected.

The Secure 2.0 legislation passed in 2022 offers several provisions that can be strategically utilized to maximize contributions to a special needs trust.

One of Secure 2.0’s key provisions is making it less cumbersome for special needs trusts to qualify for lifetime “stretch” distributions. Under this law, a special needs trust with a primary beneficiary who is a qualified, eligible designated beneficiary can receive distributions from the qualified account based on their life expectancy. This technique allows the assets in the qualified account to grow tax-free over the beneficiary’s lifetime.

“The Yellow Wallpaper” serves as a poignant illustration of the isolation, confinement, and powerlessness often felt by individuals with mental health disorders. The narrator’s struggle to break free from her oppressive surroundings mirrors the challenges faced by many individuals who seek to overcome the limitations imposed by their mental health conditions. A special needs trust can allow individuals with disabilities to live with a little more freedom, just as the narrator ultimately seeks to break free from the confines of the yellow wallpaper.