Document Library

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FAQ’s

What is a community/pooled supplemental needs trust?

Community or Pooled SNTs are designed to shelter the assets of individuals with disabilities so the funds can be retained to enrich the beneficiary’s quality of life, while protecting eligibility for means-tested government benefits. The assets held in the trust are not counted towards Medicaid or SSI asset limits. While each beneficiary has their own funds held in sub-trust account, the collection of sub-trust accounts are pooled together for investment purposes, providing greater opportunity for growth, and reducing administrative fees.

Who is Eligible for the My Choice Community/Pooled SNT?

New York State residents of any age, with a disability defined by Social Security Law Section 1614(A)(3) [42 USC §1382C(A)(3)].

What are the benefits of using a Community or Pooled SNT?

Pooling of sub-accounts for investment purposes enables highly skilled trustees with industry relevant expertise, the ability to manage funds cost-effectively, with lower administration costs to the Beneficiary. Beneficiaries are eligible at any age, documents are already drafted and approved by Medicaid and SSA, assets are sheltered from Medicaid and SSI eligibility limits, practical for smaller estates.

Individuals with I/DD can qualify financially for means-tested government benefits while sheltering excess income/assets for personal and recreational purposes not covered by benefits, providing financial means for the beneficiaries to plan for future wants and needs, and to live their most meaningful lives.

What are the asset limits for Medicaid and SSI benefits?

In NYS, 2024:

Single individual
- SSI = $2,000/month
- Medicaid = $1,732/month
- Non-Exempt Asset Limits for Medicaid = $31,175
Married (both spouses applying)
- SSI = $3,000/month
- Medicaid = $2,351/month
- Non-Exempt Asset Limits for Medicaid = $42,312
Married (one spouse applying)
- Medicaid = $1,732/month (for the applicant)
- Non-Exempt Asset Limits for Medicaid = $31,175 (applicant) / $154,140 (non-applicant)

What types of expenses can the trust pay?

Medical/dental services (not covered by insurance)
Private rehabilitation services
Supplementary education assistance
Television, cable, computer and internet services
Entertainment, vacation, and hobbies
A vehicle, vehicle service and repairs, or other transportation services
Unlimited travel and entertainment (if unable to travel alone, expenses for a travel companion may be allowed)
Pre-paid burial expenses
Assistive technology/education expenses
Caregiver services or personal care attendant
Household repairs
Mortgage/rent (SSI recipients – see below)
Utilities (SSI recipients – see below)
Clothing (SSI recipients – see below)

*IF YOU RECEIVE SSI, PLEASE BE AWARE that payments from the trust towards shelter, utilities, or clothing should be avoided as they will be considered “In Kind Support and Maintenance” (ISM) and will reduce SSI payments. Any household good or item purchased by the Trustee for the Beneficiary should not exceed $1,971, as this could be deemed as income to the Beneficiary and could result in and interruption of benefits.

What types of expenses cannot be paid for by the trust?

Understanding and differentiating between allowable expenses payable from the SNT and those prohibited can often be confusing. In managing an SNT, it’s essential for the Trustee to steer clear of any actions that could endanger the beneficiary’s eligibility for Medicaid and/or SSI.

Expenses that are not permissible include:

Cash or reimbursement to Beneficiary
Reimbursement to spouse for rent
Gifts or donations (top 3 bullets would count as income and impact income limits)
Property expenses not owned by the Beneficiary
Life insurance (because it benefits someone other than the beneficiary)
Services provided by Medicaid
Some medical bills and expenses
Overdraft fees and lines of credit
Any disbursement after death of Beneficiary

Expenses that could be an issue if paid by the trust if you receive SSI (they are not an issue for those who receive SSD).

• Mortgage or rent payments
• Property insurance and/or taxes
• Utility bills – gas, electric, heating fuel, water, sewer
• Waste collection
• Credit card bills
• Any items a parent would be responsible for if under the age of 21

SSI is intended to help pay for basic costs of shelter. If one is receiving SSI and accepting assistance for basic shelter needs like the ones listed above from another source, this would be considered “In Kind Support and Maintenance” (ISM) and the SSI benefit may be reduced.

What Is Supplementary Security Income (SSI)?

People who qualify for SSI, a public benefit program, are provided with supplemental income to help cover the cost of such necessities as food, clothing, and shelter. It can also be a way for individuals to obtain access to Medicaid.

How do I establish my Trust Account?

The Beneficiary, or their authorized representative will need to fully complete the Joinder Agreement (application for enrollment) found in our Document Library on the website.

A completed, signed and Notarized Joinder Agreement along with any supporting documentation (outlined in the agreement) should be mailed to our headquarters or emailed to intake@mychoicetrust.org. Once you are approved, a trust representative will guide you through the steps to fund the account with a minimum of $250 which will cover the $100 one-time enrollment fee and the first month’s administrative fee and still leave a balance.

How does it all work?

Once your paperwork is received, a Trust Representative will be assigned to you. They will reach out to review your application and answer your questions. If all documentation is completed in full, and you have provided proof of the qualifying disability, the process should take approximately one week.
The Trust Representative will guide you through funding the account with a minimum of $250. There is a one-time enrollment fee of $100, no renewal fees, and low monthly administrative fees, along with a one-time annual fee of $50 for tax preparation. See the Fee Schedule in our document library on our website for more information.
The Trust Representative will review how to make deposits and disbursement requests. Both mail and online options are available.
Please see above FAQs regarding what the trust can and cannot pay for.
Please note, the trust can pay toward a Medicaid irrevocable pre-need funeral arrangement during the lifetime of the Beneficiary. All pre-need funeral arrangement should be made in advance as no payments will be made after the death of a beneficiary. The trust will require a copy of the pre-need contract.
Consistent with Federal Statute, upon the death of a Beneficiary, the account is closed, and all payments will cease, including funeral expenses.
Any remainder funds will remain with the trust to benefit other individuals with disabilities.

Community SNTs vs ABLE Accounts

ABLE Accounts and Community SNTs both offer a way to safeguard resources and preserve financial eligibility for benefits.
You can have an ABLE Account and a Community SNT at the same time to maximize resources available.

ABLE Account	Community SNT
The beneficiary can manage their own account, or an authorized representative can manage it for them	The beneficiary or authorized representative can manage the account along with the non-profit organization/trustee to manage disbursement requirements, trust laws, and tax records related to disbursed taxable income
Disability onset prior to the age of 26	No age requirement – must meet the social security disability requirement
Only one ABLE account permitted per individual but may also have an SNT	May have multiple SNTs along with an ABLE account
Maximum annual contribution of $18,000	No limits to the contribution amounts – ideal for large settlements or inheritances
If the account grows to $100,000.00, SSI will be suspended until the ABLE account balance drops well below that level	Amounts do not impact benefits
$520,000 maximum holding	No maximums
Ability to utilize a debit card for the account	Debit card use would be treated as income and therefore disbursements should be requested as outlined, or for time sensitive purchases, credit cards can be utilized (see information and procedures document)
Very easy and inexpensive to set up	Easy enrollment and can be set up with as little as $250

Contact Us

Representatives are available to speak with you Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

If we are not able to take your call, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

You can also reach us by email at the address below.

We look forward to hearing from you.