Getting a sudden lump sum — whether from an inheritance, settlement, or payout — can put your government benefits at serious risk if you don’t act fast. Medicaid, SSI, and housing assistance all follow strict rules, and one wrong move can cost you eligibility for years. The right type of trust can help preserve benefits, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Age, benefit type, and timing all matter. What does apply to everyone is this: delays can be costly. Planning early is the difference