Basics about Using Special Needs Trust

Money from a special needs trust can be used for many things government benefits don't cover.

That's one of the reasons why families or individuals set them up. Special needs trusts also come with rules about how they can be use. But using your trust money is not just about what's allowed or not. Making good choices about how to use money is also important.

Your Primary Representative Contacts Us to Use Trust Money.

Every special needs trust from The Arc of Northern Virginia names a primary representative.  That's the person who works with the beneficiary to help manage the trust money. The primary representative (PR, for short) knows your budget and what you can afford. The PR also knows what kinds of things are right for you to buy or pay for. When you and the PR have agreed on something to buy, the PR starts the payment process. Getting money from your special needs trust is called disbursement. The PR must fill out a disbursement form every time to request money from the trust.

Webinar: Requesting a Trust Disbursement

While disbursements are approved on a case-by-case basis depending on the benefits and needs of the individual, here are some general guidelines of what the trust can and cannot be used for. 

 

Generally Allowed

Generally NOT Allowed
Clothing, personal care items, books, magazines, musical instruments, recreational equipment, games and crafts Rent, mortgage or other payments for room and board or base payment for a residential facility

Cable, internet and phone services

Real property taxes

Out of pocket medical and dental expenses for which there are no funds available including plastic surgery and non-essential medical procedures

Utilities (electric, gas, water, wastewater and natural gas)

Personal attendant care, supplemental nursing care, home care, respite, and similar care that assistance programs will NOT cover

Groceries food items or eating out

Private rehabilitation services and physical therapy

Cash or payment made directly to the beneficiary

Companion care, pets, companions for travel, driving and cultural experiences
Alcohol, gambling, loterry tickets or scratch offs

Special equipment such as electric wheelchairs, other supportive devices, a specially equipped van or other vehicle for transportation and transportation costs
Charitable donations or gifts to others (including the beneficiaries' children or other family members)

Therapies and other supplied to provide sensory input, holistic, herbal (not marijuana) or other alternative therapies and services
Anything covered by another funding source

Programs for education and social recreation

Trusts may NEVER be used to purchase guns or other weapons, stocks, investments or cryptocurrency

Always Double-Check Your Requests!

Primary representatives submit requests for payments. Payments go smoothly when

  1. The disbursement request form is filled out and signed.
  2. Receipts, invoices and other paperwork are attached.
  3. Purchases are allowed by the trust agreement.
  4. Purchases are allowed by government benefits rules.
  5. Purchases are only for the trust beneficiary.

Download Guides and Forms

Don't see the form you need here? Log in to our client document portal for more forms related to using your sub - account

Need help? Don't worry! That's why we are here.

Get in touch with our disbursements team, by email (disbursements@thearcofnova.org) or by phone (703-208-1119 ext. 119).

Disbursements: Using Your Sub - Account

There are several ways to use money from a trust. Here are some of the most common ways to access your sub - account.

Pay a Vendor/Provider Directly

If you need to make an episodic payment such as a cell phone bill, cable bill, or dental bill, we can pay those vendors/providers directly.

Recurring Payments

Do you have a monthly, quarterly, or annual bill that needs to be paid? You can set up a recurring payment.

Pay First, Get a Refund

See how to get reimbursed for a payment already made. Submit reimbursement as soon as you can.

Use our Credit Card

We can make purchases for a beneficiary who doesn't have a credit card.

Other Ways to Use Your Sub - Account

We pride ourselves on our creativity and our commitment to meeting your personal goals. In some cases, it can be possible to use the trust in other ways including those identified here.

Buy a Vehicle

Please speak with the Account Manager and get approval from us before considering purchasing a vehicle.

Pay Travel Expenses for a Companion

Travel expenses for a companion can be allowable with documentation of a support need. Please speak with the Account Manager and get approval from us before paying travel expenses for a companion.

Get a Reloadable Card

Please speak with the Account Manager and get approval if interested in a reloadable card.

Buy a Home

Please speak with the Director of Trusts and get approval from us before considering purchasing a home.

Let's Talk About the Future

Take the first step toward creating a Special Needs Trust for a loved one with a disability.

Join us for Trust Talk Tuesday to start the establishment process!