For the uninitiated, special needs trusts are trusts designed specially for the developmentally disabled. They enable a disabled person to have a trust held in their name to ensure they receive whatever benefits are intended for them. These can include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, subsidized housing, and other benefits based upon need. Special needs trusts can help beneficiaries avoid losing access to their essential government benefits.

A special needs trust can be a valuable way to protect your disabled family member. But there’s much more to them that a simple piece of paper and a signature. That’s why The Arc is hosting two free seminars on Aug. 26 to educate those interested on special needs trusts.

The seminars are part of the Community Seminars Program, which is a free public service offered by Bradley Law to the communities of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Community Seminars Program provides information sessions on topics of interest to the public with a direct focus towards individuals with disabilities and their families.

Presenting will be Patrick J. Bradley, Esq., who has been worked in the fields of developmental disabilities and behavioral health for over a decade in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Here are more details on what each seminar will cover. You can attend one or both. Details on how to register follow.

Session 1: All about Special Needs Trusts
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

What is a Special Needs Trust? Every single day many people in Pennsylvania are forced to choose between “spending down” their money and losing their government benefits. For many people this happens when they apply for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For others already receiving these benefits, they have to “spend down” just to be able to keep their Medicaid and/or SSI. Find out how qualified individuals can save their money and get government benefits too!

Come to this seminar to learn about:

  • What a Special Needs Trust is.
  • How they work.
  • Who can benefit from one.
  • Which one may be right for you.
  • How to get one.

You’ll also learn the differences between:

  • Common Law Trusts
  • Payback Trusts
  • Pooled Trusts

Session 2: Basic Trust Administration
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Can I manage the Trust myself? That answer could be yes! Do you want to help your loved one but aren’t sure you want to place their financial well being in the hands of strangers? You’re not alone. We’ll explore the crucial role of a Trustee as an administrator of the special needs trust. Come hear about the pros and cons of trust administration and see if “going it alone” as a Trustee can work for you.

You’ll learn the big differences between:

  • Private Trustees
  • Non-Profit Trustees
  • Bank Trustees

Find out which is the best fit for your Beneficiary. At this seminar we will also cover how to:

  • Create and fund the Trust.
  • Complete initial paperwork.
  • Do basic Trust management.
  • Meet reporting requirements.
  • Make disbursements, and more.

By exploring the fiduciary obligations of a trustee to both the Trust and the Beneficiary, you’ll have a better picture of what’s required to perform as Trustee.

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to session to check in.

LOCATION: The Arc of Montgomery, Berks & Bucks Counties
3075 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, PA 19403
Visit www.marcpa.org or call 610-265-4700 for directions.

COST: Free.

REGISTER: Online at Bradley Law. Seating limited to 45 people per session.