Answer Bar: Considering a Special Needs Trust

Session 01: Public Benefits Overview and Key Concepts - Hear an overview of the different public benefits programs that may impact a special needs client, and explore Texas-specific waivers as well as federal and state regulations.

Session 02: Special Needs Trusts 101: The Basics - An overview of the basics of special needs trusts and public benefits including selection of appropriate trust option, pitfalls to avoid and case examples.

Session 03: The Ethics of SNT Administration - In this session, the presenters review the decisions a trustee makes in administering a trust, the standards a trustee should use in making decisions, and a framework to make sure the trustee’s decisions and actions are ethical.

Session 04: Redlining the Basics with 1st Party SNT - Dissect a basic first-party SNT to highlight best practices with various key provisions, a walk-through relevant POMS provisions, and other practical tips in evaluating the use(s) of a first-party SNT.

Session 05: Maximizing Public Benefits: Overview - Planning for public benefits can be daunting. This presentation walks attendees through the paper, with stops along the way for basics, practice tips, and hidden gems in the paper.

Session 06: Working Together: Texas ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts - Learn about the tax-advantaged Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (Texas ABLE®), a disability savings program created specifically for Texans with qualifying disabilities. This session covers specifics about Texas ABLE and how it can be used in conjunction with Special Needs Trusts, while helping to preserve state and federal means-tested benefits, including SSI and Medicaid. Learn how recent regulatory and legislative developments have continued to expand the flexibility and impact of ABLE accounts.

Session 07: Initial Client Meeting Guidance and Resources - Exploring the art of focusing client appointments and staying on track.

Session 08: A Quick Trust Tax Tutorial - You don’t need to be a tax lawyer, but every special-needs planner should know at least the basics of trust income tax. Explore key rules in an accessible way for non-tax practitioners.

Session 09: SSA Regional Trust Leads Presentation Regarding SSI Trusts - For trusts established with the assets of an individual on or after 01/01/00, the Social Security Administration follows specific policy regarding disbursements from the trust, earnings on and additions to the trust, and posteligibility changes in the trust’s resource status. This session provides a summary of the policy for trust principal that is not a resource and for trust principal that is a resource, including examples.

Session 10: Masters of SNT—What I Know Now That I Wish I Had Known Back Then - Four of our most experienced SNT attorneys share what they have learned that they don’t usually talk about on microphones: how they have found the work they love; developed a passion for forms and systems; attracted and selected the best clients; built supportive and inspiring networks; and learned from their mistakes. 

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides