Protecting Compensation Awards.
At Vault Private Client, our trust specialist solicitors are experienced in advising on personal injury trusts (PI Trusts) to protect compensation awards. Whether your compensation stems from a personal injury or clinical negligence claim, accident insurance, or a government or charitable scheme, we help ensure your entitlement to means-tested benefits isn’t lost as a result of receiving funds.
Without proper planning, compensation can affect your eligibility for support such as Universal Credit, Employment Support, or Disability Living Allowance. A PI Trust protects these funds, ensuring they’re used for their intended purpose (like loss of earnings, rehabilitation, or care needs), without penalising you financially.
We understand that serious injury brings personal, social, and financial strain, often impacting your ability to work and increasing your reliance on care. If you or your dependents rely on benefits or local authority support, a Personal Injury Trust may be critical to avoid disruption to those contributions. Our specialist team will walk you through the options and ensure the right structure is in place to safeguard your future.
Setting Up a Personal Injury Trust.
A Personal Injury Trust (also known as a compensation protection or special needs trust) is a legal arrangement to hold and manage your compensation. Managed by at least two trustees, the trust ensures your award is disregarded for benefit assessments and remains available for future care or specialist expenses.
Funds eligible for protection via a PI Trust include:
- Personal injury settlements or interim payments
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority payments
- Insurance payouts (e.g. travel or accident insurance)
- Government or charitable compensation schemes
- Negligence claims
Timing is key – ideally, the trust should be discussed during the claim process and set up before funds are received. We’ll advise you step-by-step, including:
- Type of trust – such as Bare Trusts, Discretionary Trusts, or Life Interest Trusts
- Trustee selection – individuals who will act in your best interests
- Banking arrangements – we work with top private banks
- Trust Deed drafting – bespoke legal documents tailored to you
- Cost considerations – setup fees are paid from the compensation award
We also provide tax advice (particularly for Bare Trusts) and can assist with Wills to ensure your estate is aligned. The complexity of these decisions can be overwhelming, especially after injury.
Our team is here to make it easier, ensuring nothing compromises your benefits or your long-term financial welfare.
THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
Our Personal Injury Trust experts deliver clear, compassionate advice, protecting your award and future entitlements.
Russell Kaminski
Partner and Head of Private Client
Lucy Cresswell
Associate
Alison Rocca
Partner
Jason Stanley
Partner
Holly Greensmith
Solicitor
Matt Fleetwood
Group Chief Executive & Founder
Mark Dawson
Group Managing Director
Amanda McAlister
Head of Group Consumer Brands
Because We Are Here To Help You
Safeguard your settlement and benefits with expert Personal Injury Trust guidance tailored to your circumstances.
"That’s great thank you ever so much for putting this application in so swiftly, you have been so so fantastic through this whole process so a huge thanks from my husband and myself."
PROBATE CLIENT
