Answer Bar: Considering a Special Needs Trust

Session 1: 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 2: 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 3: Redlining the Basics of a SNT - Dissect a basic third party SNT to highlight the various provisions and boilerplate language that make the SNT a unique animal in the special needs planning ecosystem.

Session 4: Maximizing Public Benefits - Review the basics of SSI, Medicaid and other disability benefits that trustees must know and protect; and catch up on recent changes and trends affecting trust beneficiaries who depend on those benefits.

Session 5: 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 6: Initial Client Meeting Guidance and Resources - Exploring the art of focusing client appointments and staying on track.  

Session 7: Reporting a Trust - Address practical steps in determining when, how, and to whom special needs trusts should be reported.

Session 8: Pooled Trusts: Your Answer to Transfers and Over 65 Strategies - Is the size of a trust no longer economically feasible? Are you worried about a transfer of assets penalty? A pooled trust sub-account be a better fit! Discuss transfers from a D4A to a D4C, the authority, the pitfalls and the successes. Solutions for people over 65 who need a self-settled SNT are limited but a pooled trusts and the “half-a-loaf” strategy may be considered as an appropriate option.

Session 9: SSA Regional Trust Leads Presentation Regarding SSI Trusts - The SSI trust review business process requires evaluation of trusts that need a resource determination (such as new trusts or amended trusts) in all initial claim and post-eligibility events. Regional Trust Leads and Trust Reviewers evaluate trusts to determine if they meet the SSI eligibility requirements of (d)(4)(A) and (C). This session provides background information, describes the basic eligibility requirements, and provides applicable examples. In addition, hear the latest regarding recent Program Operations Manual System updates and the number of trust review cases SSA reviews.

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