Answer Bar: Considering a Special Needs Trust

Session 1: SNT Basics - Take a look at special needs trusts and things to consider when selecting the appropriate option. Gain insight on the intersection of trusts with governmental benefits and delve into the types of special needs trust with case examples.

Session 2: Special Needs Trusts: Decision Tree Analysis - Learn how to utilize a decision tree approach to ask and answer key questions concerning a client's need for a special needs trust, and if one is needed, which type of special needs trust is the best choice. 

Session 3: Maximizing Public Benefits: Basics and Updates - Medicaid and public benefits basics will be covered as well as the latest updates on Medicaid and public basics changes.

Session 4: ABLE Updates and Basics - This session will provide an overview of Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts and their utility in trust administration and planning. Coordination with Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) and short- and long-term planning with ABLE accounts will be reviewed, including facets of distribution mechanisms and public benefits eligibility. The presenters will provide case studies and recent case law as examples of prudent utilization of ABLE accounts.

Session 5: Reporting a Trust - Address practical steps in determining when, how, and to whom special needs trusts should be reported.

Session 6: Making Sense of Structured Settlements - Structured settlements are often used to fund court-created SNTs in the personal injury context. Drafting attorneys and trustees need an understanding of the fundamental concepts of a structured settlement annuity and the effects one will have on the funding and administration of a trust.  

Session 7: 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 8: SSA Regional Trust Leads Presentation Regarding SSI Trusts - A discussion with the Regional Trust Leads on the regional centralization of the SSI trust review business process, including reporting responsibilities, 2020 POMS update, and 2020 case totals. In addition, hear a step-by-step scenario regarding the review of a trust determined countable and available options.

Session 9: SSI Application Process for Children and Adults - The SSI application process is deceptively simple. However, there are several things applicants should keep in mind to possibly strengthen their claim or at a minimum make the process as efficient as possible. Explore the basics about the SSI process getting a claim started.

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