Pooled Special Needs Trusts: What They Are and How They Can Help
If you or a family member is receiving government benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may have come across the term Pooled Special Needs Trust (PSNT). A PSNT is a trust that is created to help people with disabilities maintain their government benefits while also having access to funds for particular expenses.
PSNTs come in two main varieties: third-party pooled trusts and first-party PSNTs, which are also known as self-settled special needs trusts. Third-party pooled trusts are usually established by family members or advocates of the person with a disability, and the funds are pooled with other beneficiaries to lower administrative expenses and expand investment possibilities. First-party PSNTs, on the other hand, are funded with the beneficiary’s own assets, typically through personal injury or workers’ compensation settlements, and are subject to Medicaid payback requirements upon the beneficiary’s death.
One of the main advantages of a PSNT is that it allows individuals with disabilities to access funds for specific expenses without jeopardizing their Medicaid benefits. PSNTs are typically managed by an investment manager and trust administrator, who handle disbursement requests and ensure that all expenses are in compliance with Medicaid regulations.
PSNTs can be used to pay for a variety of expenses that are not covered by Medicaid or other government benefits, including dental work, transportation, home modifications, and even vacations. However, it’s important to note that PSNTs cannot be used for food, shelter, or other basic living expenses, as these are typically covered by government benefits. Furthermore, PSNTs cannot be used to compensate family members for providing care, as this could be seen as an asset transfer and could result in a Medicaid penalty.
Another benefit of a PSNT is that it can provide peace of mind for both the individual with a disability and their family members. Having a trust in place to assist with certain expenses can alleviate some of the financial burden that often comes with caring for someone with a disability. Moreover, PSNTs can help guarantee that the person with a disability can maintain their quality of life and independence, even as their care requirements evolve over time.
If you are considering setting up a PSNT for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who specializes in special needs planning. They can ensure that the trust is established correctly and that all expenses comply with Medicaid regulations. Furthermore, an attorney can offer advice on the potential tax consequences of creating a PSNT and provide guidance on how to structure the trust to maximize its benefits.
Choosing the appropriate trustee is another crucial consideration when establishing a PSNT. The trustee’s responsibilities include managing the trust and ensuring that all disbursements comply with the trust’s provisions and Medicaid regulations. It’s important to choose a trustee who has experience managing special needs trusts and who is knowledgeable about the specific needs of the beneficiary. A trustee can be an individual or a professional organization, such as a bank or a nonprofit organization that specializes in managing special needs trusts.
