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Understanding Testamentary Trusts for Orangevale Residents
Planning an estate in Orangevale involves clear decisions about how assets will be managed and distributed after death. A testamentary trust, created through provisions in a will, offers a way to specify conditions for distribution, name a manager for trust assets, and protect beneficiaries who need oversight. This guide explains the role a testamentary trust can play within a broader estate plan, highlights how it differs from other planning tools, and outlines considerations specific to California law and Sacramento County practice. LA Estate Plans assists Orangevale residents in developing testamentary trust provisions tailored to family circumstances and long term goals.
Understanding the mechanics and benefits of a testamentary trust can help you make choices that reflect your wishes and protect loved ones. Unlike arrangements that transfer property outright, a testamentary trust gives you control over timing and conditions of distributions, which is useful when beneficiaries are young, managing disabilities, or need continued oversight. This page walks through definitions, common scenarios, terminology, planning tips, and the process LA Estate Plans follows when helping Orangevale families incorporate testamentary trusts into wills and probate administration in California.
Why Testamentary Trusts Are Valuable for Orangevale Families
A testamentary trust can bring structure and protection to an estate plan by controlling how assets are used and distributed after death. For families in Orangevale, this means the ability to set distribution schedules, require that funds be used for education or health, and prevent immediate outright transfers that could harm a vulnerable beneficiary. The trust can also reduce family conflict by setting clear rules and appointing a manager to carry them out. Because these trusts arise from wills, they operate within the probate process, providing court oversight and a formal mechanism to enforce the testator’s wishes.
About LA Estate Plans and Our Approach in Sacramento County
LA Estate Plans serves Orangevale and broader Sacramento County with focused estate planning services that include wills, trusts, and probate guidance. The firm is familiar with California rules governing testamentary trusts and works to translate legal requirements into practical plans for families. Our process emphasizes clear communication, careful drafting of will provisions that create the trust, and proactive planning to address family dynamics, potential creditor issues, and administration after death. Residents can rely on a steady, detail oriented approach that aims to deliver durable, well documented testamentary trust language tailored to each client’s priorities.
What a Testamentary Trust Is and How It Operates
A testamentary trust is formed by provisions in a will and only comes into existence after the death of the person who made the will. It differs from a living trust in that it is dependent on probate to validate the will before trust administration begins. The will names a trustee, identifies beneficiaries, and sets terms for how trust assets are to be managed and distributed. These arrangements are useful for delaying distributions to minors, preserving assets for long term needs, and creating rules that a trustee must follow to honor the decedent’s intentions.
Because a testamentary trust is tied to the probate process, creating one requires careful drafting of will provisions so that after probate the trustee can step in and manage assets without unnecessary delay. Typical provisions specify the trustee’s powers, distribution schedules, and permissible uses for funds such as education, health, housing, or maintenance. Drafting clear terms avoids ambiguity during administration and helps minimize disputes. LA Estate Plans assists clients in drafting language that aligns with California probate rules while reflecting family priorities.
Definition and Key Features of a Testamentary Trust
A testamentary trust is a posthumous arrangement established through a will to govern the management and distribution of assets for specified beneficiaries. It activates only after the will is validated through probate, at which point the appointed trustee assumes management responsibilities. The trust document or will provisions detail the scope of trustee authority, distribution timing, and any conditions beneficiaries must meet to receive funds. In practice, testamentary trusts provide a mechanism for continued oversight of funds when beneficiaries are not ready to manage assets independently, preserving assets for long term needs.
Key Elements and Administration Process for Testamentary Trusts
Key elements of a testamentary trust include the naming of a trustee, identification of beneficiaries, specification of permitted distributions, and any conditions or milestones for termination. The process begins with probate, which validates the will and authorizes the trustee to act. Once authorized, the trustee inventories assets, manages investments as permitted, pays debts and expenses, and makes distributions consistent with the trust terms. Properly drafted provisions anticipate common administrative steps and grant the trustee sufficient authority to act promptly while protecting beneficiary interests and complying with California rules.
Essential Terms to Know When Considering a Testamentary Trust
Navigating testamentary trust planning requires familiarity with a few core terms that influence how a trust functions and is administered. Understanding the roles and legal meanings of the testator, trustee, beneficiary, and probate process helps set realistic expectations for how an estate plan will operate after death. This section explains those terms in plain language so Orangevale residents can make informed choices about will provisions, trustee selection, and how distributions will be handled. Clear terminology reduces confusion and supports smoother administration down the road.
Testator — The Person Who Creates the Will
The testator is the person who prepares and signs the will that establishes a testamentary trust. As the creator of the will, the testator specifies who will receive assets, names any trustee who will manage trust property, and outlines conditions for distributions. It is important that the testator clearly state intentions and review documentation periodically to reflect life changes such as births, marriages, divorces, or changes in financial circumstances. When the testator dies, the probate process ensures the will and any testamentary trust provisions are carried out according to the stated instructions.
Trustee — The Individual or Entity That Manages the Trust
A trustee is the person or organization appointed to manage the trust assets according to the terms set out in the will. The trustee’s responsibilities include collecting trust assets, making distributions to beneficiaries as directed, maintaining records, and acting in the best financial interests of the beneficiaries within the scope of the trust terms. Selecting a trustee who is trustworthy and willing to handle administrative tasks is important because the trustee will make day to day decisions about management and disbursements and will often interact with the probate court during administration.
Beneficiary — The Person or Entity That Receives Trust Benefits
A beneficiary is anyone named to receive property or benefits from the testamentary trust. Beneficiaries may be individuals, such as children or relatives, or organizations like charities. The will or trust provisions set out what each beneficiary will receive, when distributions will occur, and any conditions they must meet. Beneficiaries rely on the trustee to follow the trust terms, so clear language in the will helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the chance of disagreements among family members during trust administration.
Probate — The Court Process That Validates and Administers a Will
Probate is the legal process through which a will is submitted to the court for validation and the estate is administered in accordance with that will. For testamentary trusts, probate serves to confirm the will’s provisions and authorize the trustee to perform their duties. The probate court oversees the distribution of assets, payment of debts and taxes, and resolution of disputes when necessary. While probate timelines and costs vary, careful planning and clear documentation can help streamline the process and reduce avoidable delays for Orangevale families.
Comparing Testamentary Trusts with Living Trusts and Wills
When planning an estate in Orangevale you can choose among different tools such as a simple will, a living trust, or a testamentary trust created by will. A simple will transfers assets outright and often requires less upfront drafting, which can be appropriate for straightforward estates. A living trust takes effect during life and can help avoid probate for assets placed into the trust. A testamentary trust, by contrast, is created at death through the will and offers structured oversight after probate. Each option has distinct advantages depending on family needs, asset complexity, and privacy considerations.
When a Simple Will May Adequately Address Your Needs:
Minimal Asset Complexity: When a Simple Will May Suffice
If your estate consists primarily of uncomplicated assets such as a single home, a modest bank account, and personal property, a simple will may provide the necessary instructions for distribution without adding the complexity of a testamentary trust. In these cases, straightforward beneficiaries who are adults and financially capable can receive assets outright without the need for ongoing management. Choosing a simpler path can reduce drafting time and potential administrative costs, while still ensuring your wishes are documented and that probate validates your final instructions.
Beneficiaries Are Adults and Financially Capable
When all intended beneficiaries are adults who are familiar with managing funds and resources, an outright distribution via a will may be appropriate. In such circumstances, the family may prefer immediate access to assets rather than a managed trust structure, and there may be less concern about mismanagement or the need for protective oversight. That said, even with capable adult beneficiaries some people still prefer the structure of conditional distributions for other reasons, so individual family dynamics should guide the final decision.
When a Testamentary Trust Is Recommended for Your Estate Plan:
Protecting Minor Beneficiaries with Managed Distributions
A testamentary trust is particularly useful when beneficiaries are minors because it prevents immediate outright transfers of significant sums and provides a framework for trustees to manage funds for education, healthcare, and general welfare. The trust can set ages or milestones for distribution, require funds to be used for specific purposes, and allow professional or trustworthy individuals to step in as managers. This arrangement helps ensure that assets intended for minors are conserved and spent in ways that support their long term well being rather than being quickly dissipated.
Managing Complex Asset Distributions and Family Circumstances
When an estate contains multiple property types, business interests, or specific desires for staggered distributions, a testamentary trust can create a clear, enforceable plan for managing those assets over time. The trust structure helps address creditor concerns, special family arrangements, blended family complexities, or beneficiaries who may need supervised distributions. By outlining concrete rules and trustee powers in the will, families can reduce the potential for disputes and ensure the testator’s intentions guide long term administration across varying circumstances.
Advantages of a Thoughtful Testamentary Trust Approach
A comprehensive approach to testamentary trusts provides clarity about how assets will be managed after death and can help avoid disputes among heirs by setting specific instructions. Such an approach considers family dynamics, timing of distributions, protections for vulnerable beneficiaries, and provisions that address potential creditor claims. By planning carefully, you create a durable roadmap for the trustee to follow that aligns with your values, reduces ambiguity, and supports long term financial security for heirs who may need oversight or staged distributions to achieve intended goals.
Adopting a comprehensive plan also allows for provisions that preserve government benefit eligibility for certain beneficiaries by structuring distributions appropriately, and it gives the trustee authority to make prudent management decisions without repeated court involvement. Thoughtful drafting anticipates changes in family circumstances and establishes procedures for trustee reporting, dispute resolution, and trust termination. This foresight can limit friction during administration and provide beneficiaries with a predictable framework for receiving support in accordance with the decedent’s wishes.
Control Over How and When Assets Are Distributed
One of the primary advantages of a testamentary trust is the control it affords the person making the will to determine precise timing and conditions for distributions. This control enables tailored support such as staggered payouts at certain ages, funding for education or health care, or distributions tied to life events. By specifying clear guidelines, the testator reduces ambiguity for the trustee and beneficiaries. The result is a structured approach that protects assets from premature spending and helps ensure that funds are used in ways that reflect the decedent’s intentions.
Protecting Beneficiaries Through Trustee Oversight
A testamentary trust places management responsibilities with a trustee who must administer assets according to the will’s terms, offering protection against mismanagement, creditor claims, or impulsive spending by beneficiaries. This oversight can be especially important for minors, beneficiaries with limited financial capacity, or when there is concern about outside claims on the estate. Properly drafted trust provisions guide the trustee’s decisions and include reporting requirements that enhance transparency and accountability during the administration period.
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Practical Tips for Effective Testamentary Trust Planning
Plan Ahead and Review Regularly
Estate planning is an ongoing activity rather than a one time event. Regularly review your will and testamentary trust provisions to ensure they reflect changes in family composition, financial circumstances, or goals. Life events such as births, marriages, divorces, and significant changes to assets or liabilities warrant revisiting documents so instructions remain current. Keeping beneficiary designations up to date and discussing intentions with chosen trustees can help prevent surprises and reduce the likelihood of disputes when the time comes to administer your estate.
Choose a Trustworthy Trustee
Communicate with Your Beneficiaries
Open communication about your estate plan can reduce confusion and help manage expectations among family members. While you do not need to disclose every detail, explaining the reasons behind decisions such as staggered distributions or trustee appointments can ease tensions and clarify intentions. Clear explanations can also guide beneficiaries about the purpose of trust provisions and how distributions are intended to be used, helping to preserve family relationships and reduce the potential for disputes during administration.
Why You Should Consider a Testamentary Trust in Orangevale
A testamentary trust is worth considering when you want to control posthumous management of assets, protect young or vulnerable beneficiaries, or ensure long term stewardship of family resources. In Orangevale, where families may have specific goals for education funding, property succession, or blended family arrangements, a testamentary trust provides a mechanism to translate those goals into enforceable instructions. Additionally, clear trust provisions can limit disputes and create a structured path for the trustee to follow during administration and through eventual termination of the trust.
Consider a testamentary trust if you anticipate the need for staggered distributions, have beneficiaries whose finances might benefit from oversight, or wish to set conditions for how funds are used for specific needs such as schooling or healthcare. The trust can also address unique family concerns like providing for children from a prior marriage or protecting assets from potential creditor issues. Thoughtful planning and careful drafting help ensure that the trust operates as intended and that beneficiaries receive long term support consistent with your wishes.
Common Situations Where a Testamentary Trust Is Beneficial
Certain family situations commonly make testamentary trusts a practical choice. These include providing structured support for minor children, addressing the needs of a beneficiary with ongoing care requirements, preserving assets for future generations, and managing distributions for blended family arrangements. Estates that include business interests or property that requires ongoing management may also benefit from a structured post death arrangement. Identifying these circumstances in advance helps shape trust provisions that are aligned with specific goals and legal requirements in California.
Providing for Minor Children Through a Trust
When children are minors, a testamentary trust can ensure their inheritance is managed until they reach a specified age or milestone. The trustee can be instructed to use funds for education, healthcare, housing, and general welfare while avoiding outright transfers that could be misused. This approach safeguards the child’s financial future by providing steady oversight and by setting clear distribution rules. Clear guidance in the will helps the trustee make prudent decisions that focus on the child’s long term needs and stability.
Supporting Family Members with Ongoing Needs
For family members who require ongoing financial support or whose eligibility for public assistance is sensitive to income, testamentary trust provisions can be structured to provide necessary support without jeopardizing benefits. Language may limit direct cash distributions and instead direct payments for housing, medical care, education, or other needs. Careful drafting ensures the trustee can meet the beneficiary’s needs while preserving access to available public programs, balancing necessary support with the goal of maintaining benefit eligibility where appropriate.
Handling Complex Asset Distributions and Business Interests
Estates that include businesses, investment properties, or varied asset types can benefit from a testamentary trust that outlines management authority and distribution timing. The trust can require professional oversight, specify how to handle business succession, or set rules for selling or holding assets until beneficiaries reach a certain maturity. This structured approach reduces uncertainty and provides a framework for preserving value, resolving competing interests, and ensuring assets are transitioned according to the decedent’s intentions.
We Are Here to Help Orangevale Families with Testamentary Trusts
Why Choose LA Estate Plans for Testamentary Trust Planning
LA Estate Plans focuses on wills, trusts, and probate for Sacramento County clients, offering practical guidance to shape testamentary trust provisions that fit family circumstances. Our approach emphasizes careful drafting, clear communication, and planning for administration steps so that trustees can carry out your wishes effectively. Residents of Orangevale can expect an organized process that addresses documentation, trustee selection, and contingency planning to reduce ambiguity and help avoid disputes during probate and trust administration.
We help clients identify the right structure for their needs, whether that means drafting precise trust terms for minor beneficiaries, crafting distribution rules for blended families, or preserving resources for long term support. Attention to detail in the will and trust language helps ensure that the probate process validates your instructions and that trustees have the authority needed to act in beneficiaries’ best interests while complying with California law.
Throughout the process we prioritize transparent communication so clients understand choices and the practical implications of different approaches. Our role includes preparing documents for execution, explaining probate procedures, and supporting trustees as they take on administration responsibilities. For Orangevale residents seeking practical, well documented testamentary trust provisions, LA Estate Plans offers a steady, client centered process designed to reflect personal goals and family needs.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Testamentary Trust Needs
How We Handle Testamentary Trusts at LA Estate Plans
Our process for testamentary trust planning begins with an in depth consultation to understand family dynamics and asset details, followed by careful drafting of will provisions that create the trust. We review the terms with clients, recommend trustee options, and prepare documents for proper execution. After death, we can guide families through probate filings and trustee authorization so that the trust becomes operative and assets are managed according to the testator’s instructions. Throughout, we aim to minimize surprises and provide clear next steps.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Planning
The initial phase centers on gathering information about family composition, assets, and goals for distributions. We discuss who will benefit, whether minor children or other relatives need protection, and what timing or conditions should apply. This early planning shapes the trust provisions and helps determine appropriate trustee authority. It also identifies documents and records needed for drafting, such as property deeds, account information, and beneficiary designations, so the resulting will and testamentary trust provisions are thorough and practical.
Initial Consultation: Goals and Family Considerations
During the consultation we explore your objectives for the estate, priorities for beneficiaries, and any special circumstances such as blended family issues or beneficiaries with ongoing care needs. We discuss timing of distributions, trustee roles, and how to balance immediate needs against long term preservation. This conversation helps set clear expectations and informs the drafting process so that the will and trust provisions accurately reflect your intentions while respecting California probate procedures.
Gathering Information and Documentation
Collecting accurate documentation is essential for drafting effective testamentary trust provisions. We help identify and assemble deeds, account statements, beneficiary forms, property lists, and any business documents that affect asset distribution. Having organized records allows us to craft precise language, anticipate probate steps, and recommend strategies to address creditor claims or title issues. A comprehensive information gathering stage reduces delays later and clarifies which assets will be subject to the trust after probate.
Step Two: Drafting and Reviewing Trust Provisions
Once goals and documentation are in place, we prepare will language that establishes the testamentary trust, names trustees and beneficiaries, and sets distribution rules. Drafting focuses on clarity to minimize ambiguity during probate and administration. After initial preparation, we review the documents with you, explain key provisions, and make adjustments as needed. This review ensures that the final will accurately communicates your wishes and that trustees will have the authority required to manage assets effectively under California probate rules.
Document Preparation and Drafting
Drafting includes preparing the will and any ancillary provisions that create the testamentary trust, together with directions for trustee powers such as investment authority, distribution rules, and record keeping. We address contingencies such as successor trustees, dispute resolution mechanisms, and termination conditions for the trust. Clear drafting reduces room for misinterpretation and helps ensure a smoother transition to administration when the will is validated by the probate court.
Client Review, Feedback, and Revisions
After preparing draft documents we walk through each provision with you, explain implications, and incorporate feedback to align the documents with your intentions. This collaborative review allows clients to clarify distribution terms, add or revise conditions, and ensure trustee responsibilities are appropriately defined. Making revisions before execution prevents later disputes and increases confidence that the testamentary trust will function as planned when it becomes active during probate.
Step Three: Finalization, Execution, and Ongoing Support
The finalization phase includes executing the will according to California formalities so that testamentary trust provisions will be enforceable. We assist with signing logistics, witness requirements, and secure storage recommendations. After documents are executed, we remain available to update the plan as life circumstances change. Following death, we provide guidance through probate filings and trustee authorization so the trust can be administered properly in accordance with the will and relevant state procedures.
Execution of Documents and Proper Formalities
Proper execution of the will requires following state rules for signatures and witnesses so the testamentary trust provisions will be valid when presented to the probate court. We coordinate signing sessions, explain witnessing requirements, and advise on safe storage of original documents. Ensuring formalities are observed at the start reduces the risk of contested wills and supports an orderly transition to administration when the time comes for probate and trust formation.
Ongoing Support for Trustees and Plan Updates
After documents are executed, we continue to offer guidance on updating the plan as circumstances evolve and provide support to trustees facing administrative tasks. This may include explaining probate filings, advising on record keeping, and assisting with decisions about distributions consistent with the will’s terms. Maintaining an open line of communication ensures that trustees and families have resources to address questions and carry out the testamentary trust in a manner consistent with the decedent’s intentions.
The Proof is in Our Performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Testamentary Trusts in Orangevale
What is a testamentary trust and how does it work?
A testamentary trust is a trust created by provisions in a person’s will and becomes effective after that person’s death once the will is validated through probate. The will names a trustee who will manage the trust assets according to the terms set forth, and the trustee has duties such as collecting assets, paying debts, and making distributions to beneficiaries as directed. Because it is created at death, the testamentary trust differs from trusts created during life and requires probate to authorize the trustee to act. The reason many people use testamentary trusts is to ensure continued oversight of assets for beneficiaries who are not ready to receive lump sums, to set staggered distributions, or to tailor support for minors or other family members with long term needs. The trust terms, as written in the will, should be clear about trustee powers, distribution timing, and conditions so administration proceeds smoothly after probate validates the will.
How is a testamentary trust created in California?
In California, a testamentary trust is created by including specific provisions in a properly executed will that express the testator’s intent to create a trust upon death. The will should name the trustee, identify beneficiaries, and describe how and when assets will be distributed. Proper execution requires complying with state formalities for signing and witnessing the will so it will be accepted by the probate court. After the testator’s death, the will is submitted to probate where the court validates the document and authorizes the personal representative to carry out probate duties. Once the probate court validates the will and the trustee is authorized, the testamentary trust comes into existence and the trustee begins administration according to the will’s provisions and court guidance where necessary.
Who can serve as trustee for a testamentary trust?
Almost any competent adult or a suitable institution can serve as trustee for a testamentary trust, provided they are willing and able to carry out the responsibilities. Common choices include trusted family members, close friends, or professional trust companies. The will should name a primary trustee and one or more successor trustees to ensure continuity if the first choice cannot serve. When selecting a trustee, consider qualities such as reliability, financial judgment, and organizational ability. The trustee will be required to manage assets prudently, keep accurate records, make distributions per the trust terms, and may need to interact with the probate court during administration, so choosing someone prepared for those duties helps ensure the trust operates as intended.
Does a testamentary trust avoid probate?
A testamentary trust itself does not avoid probate because the trust is created by the will and only takes effect after the will is validated in probate. The probate process confirms the will’s authenticity and authorizes the trustee to act according to its provisions. Because creation happens through probate, assets subject to the will will typically pass through probate before being placed into the testamentary trust for ongoing management. While testamentary trusts do not bypass probate, they can provide post probate protections by placing assets into a trust structure managed under the terms of the will. Well drafted provisions and efficient probate handling can help reduce delays and ensure the trustee receives the authority needed to manage assets promptly after probate concludes.
Can a testamentary trust be changed after it is created?
Because a testamentary trust is created by a will, its terms generally cannot be changed after the testator’s death unless the trust document or applicable law provides a specific mechanism or the probate court approves a modification. Therefore, changes typically must be made before death by updating the will through a new will or a valid codicil that complies with California formalities. It is prudent to review and revise your will periodically to account for life changes such as births, marriages, divorces, or major changes in assets. Making updates during life ensures the testamentary trust provisions reflect current intentions and reduces the chance that outdated instructions will govern administration after death.
What are the typical costs involved in setting up a testamentary trust?
Costs for establishing a testamentary trust generally include attorney fees for drafting the will with trust provisions and may vary depending on the complexity of your estate and the time required to prepare clear, enforceable language. Because testamentary trusts arise at death, there is no separate trust funding step during life, which can reduce some upfront costs compared with other planning tools, but drafting still requires careful work to avoid ambiguity. After death, probate expenses such as court filing fees, administration costs, and any fees paid to the personal representative or trustee for their services can affect the overall cost of implementing a testamentary trust. Thoughtful drafting and organization of records can help reduce administration time and potential costs during probate and trust setup.
What happens if no trustee is named in the will?
If no trustee is named in the will, the probate court typically appoints a suitable individual or institution to serve as trustee for the testamentary trust. This ensures that the trust has a manager to carry out its terms, but court appointment may introduce delays and limit the testator’s ability to control who will administer the trust. To avoid potential complications, it is generally advisable to name a primary trustee and one or more successors in the will. Naming alternates reduces the chance of court appointment, speeds administration, and increases the likelihood that the trustee will carry out your intentions in a manner consistent with your wishes.
How long can a testamentary trust remain in effect?
The duration of a testamentary trust is determined by the terms set forth in the will and may last until beneficiaries reach a specified age, achieve certain milestones, or until an event specified by the testator occurs. Some trusts are designed to terminate upon a beneficiary reaching a particular age, while others may continue for many years to provide long term support or management of assets. When drafting a testamentary trust, it is important to clearly specify termination conditions and any steps for distribution of remaining assets upon termination. Clear termination provisions help guide trustee actions and reduce uncertainty for beneficiaries and the probate court during administration.
How does a testamentary trust protect minor beneficiaries?
A testamentary trust protects minor beneficiaries by preventing the immediate outright distribution of funds that could be misused or poorly managed. The trustee is instructed to manage assets for the child’s needs, such as education, health care, and maintenance, and to release funds according to the timetable or conditions specified in the will. This managed approach preserves resources for the child’s long term benefit and provides oversight tailored to their circumstances. Clear drafting of distribution rules and trustee powers helps ensure the trustee can make necessary payments while safeguarding the principal. This protection supports consistent care for minors and reduces the chance of assets being prematurely dissipated before beneficiaries are mature enough to manage them responsibly.
Can a testamentary trust affect a beneficiary's eligibility for government benefits?
A testamentary trust can be structured to support a beneficiary while minimizing the risk of disqualifying them from certain means tested government benefits, but careful drafting is required. Terms can direct the trustee to make payments for specific needs such as housing, medical care, or education rather than providing direct cash distributions that could affect eligibility. The precise effect on benefits depends on the type of benefits and the trust terms. When a beneficiary receives public benefits, distinguishing between direct income and trustee directed expenditures is important. Working with knowledgeable counsel to draft protective language can help balance the goal of providing support through the trust while preserving eligibility for benefits for beneficiaries who rely on public programs.