Frequently Asked
Questions
FAQ
What is a “pooled special needs trusts”?
A pooled trust is a creature of federal disability law, authorized by Congress under 42 U.S.C. section 1396p(d)(4)(C). Before this law was enacted, disabled persons who received personal injury settlements, inheritances, or windfalls risked the loss of essential government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. In some cases, disabled persons actually gave away their money to avoid losing their government benefits. Congress therefore stepped in and authorized non-profit associations like Vista Points Tennessee Pooled Trust, to create trusts to which the funds are transferred. The Trust administers the money for the benefit of a person living with a disability (called the “beneficiary”).
What can the trust money be used for?
The money can be used for the beneficiary’s “special needs.” For that reason, the term “special needs trusts” has been coined to describe these types of trusts. Another term that has been used is “supplemental needs trust.” Generally speaking, the trust money can be used to purchase any goods or services that SSI or Medicaid does not pay for — typically, non-support items that are other than essential medical care, food, shelter, and clothing.
Why should I transfer my money to the Trust for the benefit of my adult disabled child if the government must be paid back after he dies?
There is no payback to the government of money that other people, including the disabled child’s parents, transfer to the Trust for the benefit of a disabled family member. Payback is required only if the assets that are transferred to the Trust are owned by the beneficiary, such as a personal injury settlement or inheritance.
As a non-profit company, Vista Points will administer the money for free and ensure that the beneficiary stays on government benefits. Right?
No. Trust administration is not free. The Trust does charge a fee to establish the beneficiary’s trust account and for ongoing administration of the trust assets. The money in the beneficiaries’ trust accounts is used to pay for, among other things, the expenses of trust administration, investment advice, salaries, and professional services rendered to the Trust and its beneficiaries.
You mean a beneficiary can receive government benefits and yet set aside an unlimited amount of money to pay for amenities like vacations and entertainment? The government allows this? What is the catch?
This is true, and there is a catch — two of them, actually. First, the trust money no longer belongs to the beneficiary. Once the beneficiary transfers his money to the trust, he cannot change his mind and ask for the money back. The money belongs to the Trust, which is required by law to distribute the money to or for the beneficiary’s best interests, subject to certain limitations.
Second, at the death of the beneficiary, any money that remains in the trust account established with the beneficiary’s money is paid to the State as reimbursement for any Medicaid benefits the State has paid out on behalf of the beneficiary. (Note: this applies to Medicaid benefits only, not SSI benefits.) After “Medicaid payback,” any remaining trust money will be given to persons designated by the beneficiary, such as other family members. The beneficiary can request that the State not be paid back, however. Instead, the beneficiary may allow the Trust to keep the money, but the Trust must use the retained money for the benefit of other disabled persons. The retained money will not be paid back to the government.
Why should I select the Vista Points Pooled Trust? Why not name a member of the family to be trustee?
Serving as a trustee of a special needs trust is a difficult and exacting job and may continue for a long time in the future. This is an awesome burden to impose on a family member. Parents of adult disabled children and personal injury lawyers who are seeking to preserve settlements for their disabled clients are assured of trust management by caring professionals who understand a beneficiary’s special needs and know the law applicable to government benefits.
My home has been hit with a disaster. How can my Special Needs Trusts help me?
Springtime brings many potential environmental disasters to the forefront.
Planning ahead can help people living with a disability to know that if a
disaster hits, their special needs trust may be able to help. Trust funds can
be used to pay for clothing, medical needs not covered by government
benefits, electronic equipment such as a cell phone, I-pad or computer,
durable medical equipment, and nonmedical care.
What is a Special Needs Trusts?
A special needs trust is established for an individual, of any age, to supplement any benefits the person may receive from government programs. The person must be living with a physical, mental or intellectual disability or have special needs – hereafter called “the beneficiary”. A special needs trust will allow the beneficiary to receive government benefits while still receiving funds from the trust. A special needs trust is tailored, for the beneficiary, to manage assets for that person's benefit while not compromising access to important government benefits.
What can money in a Special Needs Trust be used to purchase?
There are many possibilities for how trust money may be used but there are also guidelines that must be followed so as not to lose needed government benefits. Depending on a person’s age and personal needs, what is needed or desired can vary greatly. Some items or services that may be considered for payment from a trust are: electronic equipment, computers, I-pads, I-pods, nonmedical care, vacations, vehicles, clothing, home remodeling, alternative therapies, massages, cleaning services and medication not covered by healthcare or government benefits.

“Vista Points has been fantastic to work with! I’d recommend their services for anyone looking for Special Needs Trusts.”-
A. Milzer
Be Informed
Know what you are risking by not taking advantage of the protection offered by a Special Needs Trust. Vista Points can connect you to the resources to establish a Special Needs Trust, all with your specific and individual needs in mind.