What is a Pooled Trust?

A first-party supplemental needs trust is created to allow disabled persons to receive the benefit of their funds in a trust while still qualifying for and receiving government benefits. An alternative to this trust is a pooled trust. A pooled trust is created by a non-profit organization, and individual beneficiaries can create accounts within the trust.

By pooling the assets of disabled persons, the organization can manage one master trust and maximize the benefits for the beneficiaries. The non-profit can make more stable investments and provide more services than a normal supplemental needs trust.

Most people with special needs join a pooled trust when they do not have anyone to create a first-party supplemental needs trust for them. And just like a first-party supplemental needs trust, a pooled trust is used for people to qualify for and remain eligible to receive government benefits, such as Medicaid and SSI.

A couple advantages of a pooled trust are the low costs and the fact that the funds will be used to help others with disabilities.

If you have further questions on this topic, contact our office at (941) 906-1231 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.