First Party

Pooled Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust (SNT), also referred to as a supplemental needs trust or SNT, is a special type of irrevocable trust designed for people with disabilities. Under Federal statute and Georgia State law, SNTs allow a trustee such as GCT of BDI to manage funds for the benefit of a person with a disability while preserving that person’s eligibility for means-tested government benefits.

Who Needs a First Party Pooled Special Needs Trust?

A First Party Pooled Special Needs Trust (PSNT) is for people living with disabilities who have excess resources or monthly income that puts them over the financial limits to be eligible for means-tested government benefits, including Medicaid and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you receive money directly or have money that could put your benefits at risk, a pooled trust is a great option to avoid spending funds quickly or on unnecessary things to maintain your eligibility for services.

We Help You Protect Your Funds

  • More affordable to set up and maintain than a standalone special needs trust 
  • Professionally trained non-profit manages the funds 
  • Trust is managed by experts who understand the rules of Medicaid and SSI 
  • No minimum funding requirements  
  • People over age 65 can participate* 
  • Establish quickly because documents are approved by Medicaid/SSA 
  • Personalized service from dedicated team 
  • Professional investment management company to manage trust investments 
  • Funds pooled for investment and management purposes 

Benefits of a Pooled Trust

  • More affordable to set up and maintain than a standalone special needs trust 
  • Professionally trained non-profit manages the funds 
  • Trust is managed by experts who understand the rules of Medicaid and SSI 
  • No minimum funding requirements  
  • People over age 65 can participate* 
  • Establish quickly because documents are approved by Medicaid/SSA 
  • Personalized service from dedicated team 
  • Professional investment management company to manage trust investments 
  • Funds pooled for investment and management purposes 

*Additions to a pooled trust after the age of 65 may result in a transfer penalty for recipients of SSI benefits and/or Medicaid long-term care services. 

A smiling mother looking at and holding her smiling toddler and a piggy bank.
Skip to content