DOCSLIB.ORG

Special Needs Trust Management a LEGAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Special Needs Trust Management a LEGAL RESOURCE GUIDE Special Needs Trust Management A LEGAL RESOURCE GUIDE Unique issues involving the management of first party and third party special needs trusts. by Theresa M. Varnet, Esq. 1 SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST MANAGEMENT A LEGAL RESOURCE GUIDE T his guide concentrates on the unique trust management issues involved with the management of first party and third party special needs trusts. In addition to basic trust management principles, trustees of special needs trusts need to be informed of their unique distribution rules, tax rules and funding rules. It is critical that the trustee of a special needs trust understand how important it is to properly manage a special needs trust so that the assets held in the trust and/or the manner in which distributions are made do not cause the trust to be a countable asset or TABLE OF CONTENTS the distribution to be deemed as countable income. If distributions are not made correctly, the trustee could naively sabotage an otherwise well 1 Acknowledgments written special needs trust. 4 Applying for a tax identification number Making this topic even more difficult is the fact that distributions from 4 Identifying assets to be transferred to the trust a special needs trust are treated differently depending on the type 4 Titling assets in a self funded or first party funded special needs trust of government benefit received. Distributions may also be treated 6 Titling assets in a third party special needs trust differently by various public programs if the trust is a self funded (first 9 Basic trustee issues party) special needs trust rather than a third party funded special needs 13 Managing the first party or self funded special needs trust trust. The following information will assist the trustee in managing the 17 Managing the third party special needs trust special needs trust in a manner which avoids naively sabotaging the 20 Maintaining contact with the beneficiary, the representative payee for SSA intent of an otherwise well written special needs trust to preserve needs benefits, the guardian and/or legal representative of the beneficiary based benefits. 24 Navigating the maze of government benefits and their treatment of trusts 25 Identifying entitlement benefits, needs based benefits and sliding scale Theresa M. Varnet, Esq. benefits for which the beneficiary may be eligible April 2014 26 Making distributions to maximize governmental benefits 26 Accounting, record keeping & termination of trust 29 About the author 1 is a legal planning tool that preserves eligibility for Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) (*the terms supplemental needs A special needs trust SSI, MA Health and other needs based programs while providing additional assets or special needs are used interchangeably throughout this guide) is A for the use and benefit of the beneficiary. There are two types of special needs trusts: an invaluable planning tool for families who are concerned about preserving eligibility for SSI, MA Health and other needs based programs while providing “first party or self funded” trusts or “third party” trusts. A first party or self funded additional assets for the use and benefit of a family member who is challenged trust is funded with assets that belong to the beneficiary of the trust or assets he or with a disability. she has a legal right to. Excess assets that would normally disqualify an individual from receiving SSI or Medicaid eligibility can be transferred to a first party special There are two types of special needs trusts: A third party supplemental needs needs trust. The trust can be is used throughout the individual’s lifetime for his or trust is ideal for parents or family members who are concerned about how her supplemental needs, but upon his or her death, any state which has provided their family assets can be distributed at their death for the benefit of their Medicaid funding must be able to reimburse itself for any Medicaid funds paid for family member who has a disability. The third party SNT is funded with assets his or her benefit during his or her lifetime. Examples of funds or assets that can be belonging to a parent, grandparent, other relative or friend of the family. As long as a third party SNT is properly drafted, funded and administered, there is no transferred to a first party special needs trust include personal injury settlement payback to the state for the cost of care and the funds in this type of trust can funds, child support, UTMA accounts or other savings or windfall received by pass to named beneficiaries - often other family members or charities. a person with a disability. A third party special needs trust is funded with assets belonging to a parent, grandparent, other relative or friend of the family. As long A first party or self funded special needs trust is funded with assets that belong as a third party special needs trust is properly funded and administered, there is no to the individual who has a disability. Any funds the special needs family payback to the state for the cost of care and the funds in this type of trust can pass member owns or has a legal right to can be irrevocably assigned to a first party to named beneficiaries - often other family members or charities. SNT, and the beneficiary of the trust will remain eligible for needs based benefits or become eligible immediately with no look back period. Excess assets that would normally disqualify an individual from receiving SSI or Medicaid eligibility can be transferred to a first party special needs trust. The trust can be used throughout the individual’s lifetime for his or her supplemental needs, but upon his or her death, any state which has provided Medicaid funding must be able to reimburse itself for any Medicaid funds paid for his or her benefit during third party SNT or a typical discretionary support trust, the trustee needs the individual’s lifetime. Examples of funds or assets that can be transferred or to be aware of the need for detailed record keeping. irrevocably assigned to a first party special needs trust include personal injury With a special needs trust, the trustee must also make him/herself aware of all settlement funds, child support, UTMA accounts or other savings or windfall the government benefits the beneficiary is receiving and how distributions from received by a person with a disability. a special needs trust may result in a reduction or loss in benefits. The trustee The trustee of a first party or self settled special needs trust containing a must make him/herself aware of the impact distributions may have on critically requirement to reimburse Medicaid for the cost of any Medicaid funded services needed benefits such as Section 8, Medicaid or SSI. received by the beneficiary following the death of the beneficiary must be keenly This duty to become and to stay informed of what benefits the beneficiary is aware of the ‘sole benefit’ rule in making distributions. There is more room for receiving and how distributions will affect these benefits is unique to trustees error in making distributions from a self settled, first party trust than in a third of special needs trusts. party trust which does not require a Medicaid payback. If a trustee of a first party or self settled trust does not abide by the ‘sole benefit’ rule, he or she could If the trustee of a special needs trust is also a remainderman of the trust, he be personally liable to the state for funds improperly distributed. or she needs to understand the potential estate tax ramifications of serving as trustee when named as a remainderman. The typical special needs trust When the beneficiary dies and Medicaid seeks to be paid back, the trustee states that ‘all distributions are in the sole discretion of the trustee.’ It is this may have personal liability to reimburse the state Medicaid agency if he or sole discretionary power that creates the possibility that the IRS could include she cannot account for how the funds were distributed. In addition, the trustee the remainder interest in the taxable estate of the trustee if he or she is serving must be able to provide documentation that all distributions were for the “sole” as trustee at the time of his or her death. The trustee needs to be aware of this benefit of the beneficiary. As this is a much stricter requirement than needed for potential tax liability and potential ‘cost’ to his or her estate. 2 3 The trustee also needs to be aware of the potential for conflict or appearance of governmental benefits such as SSI, Medicaid, community based waiver of a conflict of interest when he or she is both the trustee and a remainderman. services, etc. The first party trust should be funded not only with funds in All distributions from a special needs trust need to be discretionary and not the possession of the beneficiary, but also with any and all funds that the linked to an ascertainable standard. The trustee with a remainder interest may beneficiary has a legal right to (such as a future interest in a trust, future be tempted to limit or minimize distributions thus retaining more of the trust for payments from an annuity, life insurance beneficiary, etc). It is important him or herself upon the death of the beneficiary. Even if the trustee doesn’t limit to always look at the source of the funds before deciding if they should be distributions due to issues of self interest, he or she needs to be aware that his/ transferred to a first party or third party special needs trust.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Spring 2014 Melanie Leslie – Trusts and Estates – Attack Outline 1
    Spring 2014 Melanie Leslie – Trusts and Estates – Attack Outline Order of Operations (Will) • Problems with the will itself o Facts showing improper execution (signature, witnesses, statements, affidavits, etc.), other will challenges (Question call here is whether will should be admitted to probate) . Look out for disinherited people who have standing under the intestacy statute!! . Consider mechanisms to avoid will challenges (no contest, etc.) o Will challenges (AFTER you deal with problems in execution) . Capacity/undue influence/fraud o Attempts to reference external/unexecuted documents . Incorporation by reference . Facts of independent significance • Spot: Property/devise identified by a generic name – “all real property,” “all my stocks,” etc. • Problems with specific devises in the will o Ademption (no longer in estate) . Spot: Words of survivorship . Identity theory vs. UPC o Abatement (estate has insufficient assets) . Residuary general specific . Spot: Language opting out of the common law rule o Lapse . First! Is the devisee protected by the anti-lapse statute!?! . Opted out? Spot: Words of survivorship, etc. UPC vs. CL . If devise lapses (or doesn’t), careful about who it goes to • If saved, only one state goes to people in will of devisee, all others go to descendants • Careful if it is a class gift! Does not go to residuary unless whole class lapses • Other issues o Revocation – Express or implied? o Taxes – CL is pro rata, look for opt out, especially for big ticket things o Executor – Careful! Look out for undue
    [Show full text]
  • Thumb Nail Sketch of Social Security and Earned Income
    Special Needs Planning Workshop Ft. Meade Presentation February 27, 2018 Franke, Sessions & Beckett LLC 151 West Street, Suite 301 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-263-4876 www.fsbestatelaw.com © 2018 © Franke, Sessions & Beckett LLC A Maryland Estates and Trusts Law Firm Franke, Sessions & Beckett LLC 151 West Street, Suite 301 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-263-4876 www.fsbestatelaw.com The Law of Estates and Trusts Planning ∙ Administration ∙ Litigation Jack K. Beckett Mr. Beckett received his B.A. from Wittenberg University in 2008; and his J.D. from Washington and Lee University in 2011. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2011 and has practiced in Maryland since 2011. Mr. Beckett served on the law review at Washington and Lee University and was a Burks Scholar Writing Fellow. He served as a law clerk with the Honorable Pamela White in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. He is a member of various local and national bar associations. ARTICLES/PUBLICATIONS BY FRANKE, SESSIONS & BECKETT LLC Lawyers of the firm have published articles on tax and other topics related to their professional interests, including: "Medicaid Planning for Maryland Family Lawyers," MARYLAND BAR JOURNAL, Vol. 49, No. 2 March/April 2016 (Co-Author with Phyllis J. Erlich); "Self-Settled Asset Protection Trusts for Married Couples in Maryland," Steve Leimberg's Asset Protection Planning Newsletter (April 2015); "The Terms of the Trust: Extrinsic Evidence of Settlor Intent" ACTEC JOURNAL, Spring 2014 (Co-author with Anna Katherine Moody); "Benevolent Benefactors Be Aware: Changes in Medicaid Policy Result in Fairer Treatment of Gifts," MARYLAND BAR JOURNAL, Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Jean Willey Trust
    IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE In the Matter of: ) C.A. No. 5935-VCG JEAN I. WILLEY TRUST ) MEMORANDUM OPINION Submitted: July 22, 2011 Decided: August 4, 2011 William W. Erhart, Esquire, of WILLIAM W. ERHART , P.A., Wilmington, Delaware, Attorney for Petitioner, Scott Willey, Mark Willey and Deborah Willey, pro se , of 2311 Shaws Corner Road, Clayton, Delaware 19938, Respondents GLASSCOCK, Vice Chancellor. This is an action for approval of accounting and termination of a testamentary trust. Jean I. Willey (“Jean”), the testator, had four sons: Todd C. Willey (“Todd”), Mark E. Willey (“Mark”), Scott B. Willey (“Scott”), and Dale S. Willey (“Dale”). 1 In her will (“Jean’s Will”), executed on November 2, 2000, Jean devised $30,000.00 to Mark in a supplemental needs trust (“Mark’s Trust”), with the remainder of her estate to be divided equally among her four sons. Todd was named as the Trustee of Mark’s Trust in Jean’s Will; Dale was named the executor of the Will. Jean passed away on September 7, 2004. Although the testimony indicates that her estate was closed in May 2005, $30,000.00 in assets was placed in Mark’s Trust on May 17, 2005, and the remainder of Jean’s estate was then distributed equally to the four Willey brothers in September 2005. In April 2009, the Willey brothers sold Jean’s real property and the proceeds were distributed equally. Todd, the petitioner in this action, filed a motion on October 28, 2010 seeking approval of the trust accounting and the termination of Mark’s Trust, the corpus of which—according to Todd—is reduced to around $5,000 and should be turned over to Mark (via his guardians).
    [Show full text]
  • 634A.2 Supplemental Needs Trust — Requirements. 1. a Supplemental
    1 SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUSTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, §634A.2 634A.2 Supplemental needs trust — requirements. 1. A supplemental needs trust established in compliance with this chapter is in keeping with the public policy of this state and is enforceable. 2. A supplemental needs trust established under this chapter shall comply with all of the following: a. Shall be established as a discretionary trust for the purpose of providing a supplemental source for payment of expenses which include but are not limited to the reasonable living expenses and basic needs of a person with a disability only if benefits from publicly funded benefit programs are not sufficient to provide adequately for those expenses and needs. b. Shall contain provisions which prohibit disbursements that would result in replacement, reduction, or substitution for publicly funded benefits otherwise available to the beneficiary or in rendering the beneficiary ineligible for publicly funded benefits. The supplemental needs trust shall provide for distributions only in a manner and for purposes that supplement or complement the benefits available under medical assistance, state supplementary assistance, and other publicly funded benefit programs for persons with disabilities. 3. For the purpose of establishing eligibility of a person as a beneficiary of a supplemental needs trust, disability may be established conclusively by the written opinion of a licensed professional who is qualified to diagnose the illness or condition, if confirmed by the written opinion of a second licensed professional who is also qualified to diagnose the illness or condition. 4. A supplemental needs trust is not enforceable if the trust beneficiary becomes a patient or resident after sixty-four years of age in a state institution or nursing facility for six months or more and, due to the beneficiary’s medical need for care in an institutional setting, there is no reasonable expectation, as certified by the beneficiary’s attending physician, that the beneficiary will be discharged from the facility.
    [Show full text]
  • Estate Planning for People with Special Needs by Dera L. Johnsen-Tracy, J.D
    Estate Planning for People with Special Needs by Dera L. Johnsen-Tracy, J.D. Horn & Johnsen SC 8446 Excelsior Drive, Suite 102 Madison, WI 53717 (608) 829-2525 [email protected] Introduction When planning for families with children who have special needs, whether those children are minors or adults, strategic financial and estate planning is essential – including the creation of a trust to protect the child’s government benefits and to ensure the child with special needs has the resources available to maintain the standard of living to which he or she is accustomed. Will vs. Living Trust Your will sets forth the disposition of your estate upon your death and can include the creation of testamentary trusts upon your death for beneficiaries with special needs. In addition, your will designates the personal representative (a/k/a “executor”) of your estate and states your preference as to the guardians for your children. It is important to note that, if you are depending on your will to transfer your assets, a probate proceeding will be required to administer your estate upon your death.1 As an alternative, you may want to consider creating a revocable living trust. A revocable living trust (also known as an “inter vivos” trust) is an estate planning tool used primarily to establish who will manage your assets during your incapacity and how your property will be distributed upon your death. Most living trusts are “revocable” because you retain the power to amend them as your circumstances or wishes change. Revocable living trusts are “living” because they are created and become effective during your lifetime.
    [Show full text]
  • General Special Needs Trust Information
    GENERAL SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST INFORMATION The basic purpose of a “special needs trust” is to provide benefits, by means of a trust, to a person who would otherwise lose eligibility for public assistance (Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid or Subsidized HUD Housing.) A Pooled Special Needs Trust is designed for the same purpose but Congress allows the nonprofit organization to “pool” the funds for investment purposes under one Master Trust Document pre-approved by Social Security and Medicaid. Types of Pooled Special Needs Trusts Self-funded Trusts. These trusts are established with property or funds belonging to the person with the disability at any age and can be established by the individual, their parent, grandparent, guardian or the court. Finally, the primary remainder beneficiary, at the death of the disabled beneficiary, the state may be reimbursed to the extent that the state paid expenditures for medical assistance under Medicaid. Third Party Trusts. Trusts funded by someone other than the beneficiary are third party trusts. A third party trust may benefit a person with a disability as long as it is a special needs trust. This kind of trust may be established either as a living (or “intervivos”) trust or a testamentary trust (created by a will). 1. Ideal for parents or loved ones who want to create a trust for a person who has a disability but does not want them to lose eligibility for public benefits. If there are other family members who want to leave something by will but do not want to create a special needs trust in their wills, they can gift the funds/property to the existing trust.
    [Show full text]
  • Special Needs Trusts
    Special Needs Trusts What is a special needs trust? If you have a child or other loved one with special needs you may want to establish a special needs trust. A special needs trust (or supplemental needs trust) is an estate planning tool that can help provide for the needs of an individual who is disabled without jeopardizing his or her eligibility for government benefits. A qualified attorney can help you establish and administer this type of trust. Tip: The term "special needs" is used in this discussion to describe any trust that is established to fund the supplemental needs of an individual with disabilities while maintaining that individual's eligibility for government benefits. The term includes not only trusts funded with the individual's own funds (as governed by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA '93)), but also trusts funded with assets from a third party (e.g., a parent or grandparent). Why establish a special needs trust? Unlike other types of trusts often used in estate planning, the primary goal of a special needs trust is to provide for the needs of an individual who is disabled throughout his or her life. Federal and state benefits are generally available to qualifying children and adults who have special needs. If your child qualifies for government benefits, one of your goals may be to ensure that his or her eligibility continues into the future. A special needs trust can help you attain this goal. In addition, this type of trust can provide for supplementary care and services for your loved one.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Sc Bar Convention
    2019 SC BAR CONVENTION Elder Law Committee “Settlements, Inheritances, and Support for People with Special Needs” Friday, January 18 SC Supreme Court Commission on CLE Course No. 190135 SC Bar-CLE publications and oral programs are intended to provide current and accurate information about the subject matter covered and are designed to help attorneys maintain their professional competence. Publications are distributed and oral programs presented with the understanding that the SC Bar-CLE does not render any legal, accounting or other professional service. Attorneys using SC Bar-CLE publications or orally conveyed information in dealing with a specific client's or their own legal matters should also research original sources of authority. ©2019 by the South Carolina Bar-Continuing Legal Education Division. All Rights Reserved THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE CLE DIVISION OF THE SC BAR. TAPING, RECORDING, OR PHOTOGRAPHING OF SC BAR-CLE SEMINARS OR OTHER LIVE, BROADCAST, OR PRE-RECORDED PRESENTATIONS IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE SC BAR - CLE DIVISION. 2019 SC BAR CONVENTION Elder Law Committee Friday, January 18 Part One: Medicaid, SSI, and Special Needs Trusts Andrew J. Atkins Chadwicke L. Groover Franchelle C. Millender SETTLEMENTS, INHERITANCES, SUPPORT: WHY SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING SHOULD BE IMPORTANT TO EVERY LAWYER PRESENTED BY: Andrew J. Atkins Millender Elder Law LLC [email protected] Chadwicke L. Groover Upstate Elder Law, PA [email protected] Franchelle C. Millender, CELA* Millender Elder Law LLC [email protected] *certified as an elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation THE BASICS OF NEED-BASED GOVERNMENT BENEFITS Presented by Chadwicke L.
    [Show full text]
  • Supplemental Needs Trust Trustee Guidelines
    TRUSTEE GUIDELINES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF A SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUST Steven Banks Administrator / Commissioner Saratu Grace Ghartey Chief Program Accountability Officer TM Human Resources Administration Department of Homeless Services Department of Social Services TABLE OF CONTENTS GETTING STARTED 6 RESPONSIBILITIES OF A TRUSTEE 7 MANAGING THE SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUST 7 BANK ACCOUNTS 8 INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS 8 OBTAINING A BOND 9 RECEIVING INCOME ON BEHALF OF THE BENEFICIARY 9 MAKING PAYMENTS ON BEHALF OF YOUR BENEFICIARY 10 LARGE ASSETS 12 PROTECTING TRUST ASSETS 13 MAINTAINING TRUST ASSETS 13 SELLING TRUST ASSETS 13 KEEPING RECORDS 13 DOCUMENTS TO KEEP 14 REPORTING TO DSS 15 ANNUAL ACCOUNTING 15 WHAT HAPPENS TO MY ACCOUNTING 16 CLOSING THE SNT 17 DEPLETION OF THE FUNDS 17 DEATH OF THE BENEFICIARY 17 REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAID 17 CONTACT US! 19 3 DEFINITIONS As the trustee of a Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT), you may have many questions about what you need to do and how to do it. This booklet should answer most of those questions. It will explain what your responsibilities are and how to fulfill them. First, let us define some important terms that you need to know. The most important are Trust, Beneficiary and Trustee. Trust Fiduciary Duty Self-Dealing An arrangement where The legal relationship the Using your position as someone’s property or Trustee has to the benefi- the Trustee to benefit money is legally held ciary. Because the Trustee yourself or someone or managed by someone manages the beneficiary’s else. else or by an organization money, the Trustee must (such as a bank).
    [Show full text]
  • Protecting the People of Maine for Over 100 Years
    Protecting the people of Maine for over 100 years THIRD-PARTY SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS: PROTECTING AN INHERITANCE FOR A LOVED ONE WITH DISABILITIES Estate planning is especially vital for those who have loved ones with disabilities who receive and rely on public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid (called MaineCare in Maine). This includes parents and grandparents of children with special needs and spouses and relatives of older individuals residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Failure to plan could come at a very high cost for the individual with disabilities who may lose critically necessary public benefits in the event that there is an inadequate estate plan or even no plan at all. An Introduction to Third-Party Special Needs Trusts A special needs trust (also called a supplemental needs trust) maximizes all available resources for the benefit of the individual with disabilities and may provide funds for goods and services, including: the purchase, maintenance, and insurance of a customized, accessible motor vehicle; experimental or alternative therapies not covered by MaineCare; communication equipment and computers; recreational activities, vacations, and hobbies; education and occupational training; pets and companionship; and professional services, including services from a professional trustee, accountant, or attorney. A third-party trust is funded with the assets of someone other than the individual with disabilities, such as a parent or grandparent. This differs from a “self-settled trust” or “first-party trust,” which is funded with the assets of or legally available to the individual with disabilities. A third-party trust may be established during the lifetime of the person who wants to provide for the benefit of the individual with disabilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Estate Planning & Administration: Cradle to Grave
    SUFFOLK ACADEMY OF LAW The Educational Arm of the Suffolk County Bar Association 560 Wheeler Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788 (631) 234-5588 Full Day Conference ESTATE PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION: CRADLE TO GRAVE - ELDER LAW Faculty George L. Roach, Esq. Eileen Coen Cacioppo, Esq. Grabie & Grabie, LLP Stony Brook, NY Janna P. Visconti, Esq. David R. Okrent, Esq. Jeannette Grabie, Esq. Huntington Station, NY Grabie & Grabie, LLP Sheryl L. Randazzo, Esq. Randazzo & Randazzo, LLP Richard A. Weinblatt, Esq. Haley, Weinblatt & Calcagni Program Coordinators: Brette Haefeli, Esq., Scott McBride, Esq. Robert Harper, Esq., Richard Weinblatt, Esq. MARCH 13, 2015 SCBA Center - Hauppauge, NY WILL DRAFTING Presented for the Suffolk County Academy of Law by Richard A. Weinblatt, Esq. Haley Weinblatt & Calcagni, LLP 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway Islandia, New York 11749 March 13, 2015 I. Overview A. Most wills are written documents that are executed in accordance with EPTL § 3-2.1. 1. Exceptions a. Noncupative Will - oral Will established by 2 witnesses. b. Holographic Will - written in testator’s own handwriting but not executed pursuant to EPTL § 3-2.1. 2. Noncupative Wills and Holographic Wills are only valid for: a. Member of armed forces during war. b. A person serving with or accompanying an armed force in war. c. A mariner at sea. B. This outline covers: 1. Meeting with the client and gathering information. 2. Drafting considerations. 3. Execution of the will. II. Initial Meeting and Information Gathering Page 1 of 18 A. Ascertain the Client’s Objectives. 1. How does the client want the estate to be distributed? a. General overall plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Using Supplemental Needs Trusts to Retain Public Benefits, Part One
    11/15/2019 SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUSTS: Protecting Access to Medicaid, SSI and Other Benefits when a Lump Sum is Received Nov. 2019 (corrected) Presented by: Valerie Bogart, Director Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program (212) 613-7310 [email protected] http://nylag.org http://nyhealthaccess.org © Do not reprint without permission 11/2019 • Basics – What is a Supplemental Needs Trust; types of SNTs • Using SNTs to eliminatethe MedicaidSpend-down – • What expenses may be paid by an SNT? • ABLE accounts – how are they different than SNTs? PART ONE 1 11/15/2019 Using SNTs when you Receive a Lump Sum or have Excess Resources Learn rules on impact of “transferring” the lump sum, spending it or depositing it into an SNT for: • MEDICAID – differences between “MAGI” and “Non-MAGI” Medicaid • SSI • Veteran’s Benefits (new penalties on transfers of assets 10/2018) • SNAP/Food Stamps • Housing Subsidies (Section 8) PART 2 – NOV. 15, 2019 11 AM – 12:30 Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/896 7985574357260555 4 What is a Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT)? – Supplements public benefits • Trust agreement prohibits trustee from spending the trust property in any way that would impair beneficiary’s eligibility for public benefits – Irrevocable – 3 parties: Donor of funds, Trustee, and Beneficiary – Beneficiary must be found “disabled,” even if age 100! • Same definition of “disabled” as used by the Social Security Administration for SSDI/SSI. Rules less strict age 72+ • If SSA has not yet found you “disabled,” the Medicaid agency will make this determination when you submit trust to DSS/HRA for approval. See article on Medicaid disability determinations - http://www.wnylc.com/health/entry/134/ with forms 2 11/15/2019 5 3rd Party vs.
    [Show full text]