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Why CPT Institute is Highly Regarded by US Government Agencies

By: William Lindahl, Executive Director Expertise as a Charitable Non-Profit Trustee CPT Institute specializes in managing various trusts, safeguarding the financial well-being of those unable to earn an income. They…

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Game-Changer for SSI: Beginning Today, SSA Overhauls Food and Rent Rules, Boosting Benefits for Millions

By: William Lindahl, Executive Director September 1, 2024 marks a significant transformation for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries as the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements new rules that overhaul how…

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Structured Settlements and Special Needs Trusts: A Synergistic Approach

Understanding the interplay between structured settlements and special needs trusts is essential, especially for individuals with disabilities. It’s also important to note that except in California, a commutation rider is…

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Transparent Fees, why are they Important when shopping for a Trustee?

When it comes to finding a low cost non-profit trustee like CPT Institute for your Individual Special Needs Trust (SNT) or Pooled Special Needs Trust (PSNT) be sure they are…

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CPT Institute: A Technology Forward Non-Profit Charitable Trustee

By: William Lindahl, Executive Director CPT Institute emerges as a technology forward non-profit/charity trustee, leveraging technology to streamline operations and spearhead innovation. Here’s an insight into their tech forward approach:…

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What is a (D)(4)(c) Special Needs Trust and can it be transferred to a Pooled Special Needs Trust?

By: William Lindahl, Executive Director A (D)(4)(C) Special Needs Trust, also known as a Pooled Trust, is a type of trust designed to benefit individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for…

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OBRA Pooled Trust Offered Exclusively by CPT Institute: A New Chapter in California Special Needs Planning

By: William Lindahl, Executive Director Special needs planning is a critical endeavor for individuals with disabilities, designed to ensure their financial security and access to essential care. With the upcoming…

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Pooled Income Trusts: A New Path for CPT Institute

By: William Lindahl, Executive Director A Pooled Income Trust is a strategic financial tool that enables individuals to have their funds managed by a charitable organization, which helps them maintain…

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Featured Resources

What is a Special Needs Trust? [The Complete Guide]

Special Needs Trusts April 10, 2023 What they are and how they can help you In order to qualify for government benefits like SSI and/or Medicaid as a result of…

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Medicaid’s Underestimated Value to Medicare Recipients

By Cameron Lindahl, M.S., Director of AdvocacyCPT Institute, A 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Charity Despite the similar terminology, Medicare and Medicaid are NOT the same regarding coverage or eligibility rules. The individuals…

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HOW THE 2018 POMS UPDATE AFFECTS TRUST BENEFICIARIES

How the 2018 POMS Update Affects Trust Beneficiaries By Cameron Lindahl, M.S. and David Lillesand, J.D The Social Security Administration (SSA) released amendments to the Program Operations Manual System (POMS)…

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DEEMING: HOW AN INDIVIDUAL’S INCOME & ASSETS AFFECT ANOTHER’S ELIGIBILITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

Deeming: How an Individual’s Income & Assets Affect Another’s Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) By: Cameron Lindahl, M.S. & Sara Toor, M.A.Revised March 2018 What is Deeming and Why…

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WHAT IS THE DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT?

What is the Deficit Reduction Act? By Sara Toor M.A. & Cameron Lindahl M.S. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, also known as DRA, is a Federal law that grants…

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PAYING DEBT WITH A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST

Paying Debt with a Special Needs Trust Sara Toor, M.A. & Cameron Lindahl, M.S. ​ A Special Needs Trust (SNT) can pay past debt incurred by beneficiaries. This includes credit card…

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FLORIDA MEDICAID

Background:Florida Medicaid services are administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration. The Department of Children and Families or the Social Security Administration (for individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income…

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FLORIDA’S HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE FOR DISABLED ADULTS

Florida’s Home and Community Care for Disabled Adults William Lindahl, MBA, CLPF & Sara Toor, M.A ​The program that supports case management and in-home services through community based services is…

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Game-Changer for SSI: Beginning Today, SSA Overhauls Food and Rent Rules, Boosting Benefits for Millions

By: William Lindahl, Executive Director September 1, 2024 marks a significant transformation for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries as the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements new rules that overhaul how…

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HAVE YOU RECEIVED A NOTICE REGARDING YOUR BENEFITS?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends notices and letters to recipients who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or who have applied to receive  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The notices and letters are extremely important to…

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HAVING A HOME AND RECEIVING MEDI-CAL

Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid Program) is a means-tested program or also known as needs-based. Meaning, that there are certain income, asset/resource requirements to qualify to be eligible for Medi-Cal. For Medi-Cal eligibility…

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Hearing Help from CPT Institute

How can CPT(Community and Professional Training)Institute help at your hearings as a nationwide non-profit trustee and 501(c)(3) charity? Whether you are setting up a Special Needs Trust (SNT), Pooled Special…

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HOLDING ON TO UNCASHED CHECKS

Holding on to Uncashed Checks William Lindahl, MBA, CLPF & Sara Toor, M.A ​Individuals generally think that if that they receive a check in their name and do not cash…

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HOW CAN MY SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST BE USED WITHOUT INTERFERING WITH MY SSI?

If a beneficiary receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Trustee, like CPT, is not permitted to give individuals cash reimbursements for the purchases he/she makes for himself/herself even if he/she…

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HOW DO I KNOW WHICH GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC BENEFITS I RECEIVE?

When establishing a Special Needs Trust, it is vital to know what government/public benefits an individual is receiving. It is extremely important for the trustee to know what benefits a beneficiary is receiving…

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HOW DOES THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DEFINE DISABILITY?

How Does the Social Security Administration Define Disability? William Lindahl, MBA, CLPF & Sara Toor, M.A For AdultsFor an individual to meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability,…

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IMPORTANCE OF CHECK DISBURSEMENT REQUEST FORMS

“Why do I have to fill out a check disbursement request form, if I can just submit my receipts/invoices into you? Isn’t that enough?” We run into this scenario quite…

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IMPORTANCE OF SUBMITTING RECEIPTS/INVOICES TO TRUSTEE FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF PAYMENT

Keeping an accurate record of which items, goods, or services were paid on behalf of a beneficiary is one of many responsibilities a trustee has when administering a Special Needs…

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IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) PROGRAM

What is IHSS?In Home Supportive Services, or also known as IHSSS, is a program that is a statewide program in California that is overseen by each county under the direction…

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IN-KIND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE: WHAT IS IT?

In-Kind Support and Maintenance is also referred to as ISM. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines in-kind support and maintenance as “food or shelter that someone else provides for you (trust beneficiary).” The…

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KEY TERMS TO KNOW WHEN QUALIFYING AND ESTABLISHING A POOLED SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST

When qualifying and establishing an appropriate Special Needs Trust there are certain words or verbiage that may seem a bit confusing or unclear. To lessen the confusion and increase a…

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MEDICAID IN ARIZONA AND LONG TERM CARE

BackgroundArizona Health Care Cost Containment System or also known as AHCCCS, pronounced as “access,” is the name of Arizona’s Medicaid program. The state of Arizona, is a “1634” state which…

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Medicare Refresher

As a refresher, traditional Medicare comes in four parts. Part A for hospital benefits (free). Part B pays for your doctors; the monthly premium costs $164, subtracted from their SSDI,…

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MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS

What are They?Medicare Savings Programs, also known as “MSP” Programs are specific programs that assist in paying premiums, deductibles, coinsurances, copayments, and prescription drug coverage costs. These programs may also…

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MEDICARE VS. MEDI-CAL: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Medicare is an insurance program. Medical bills are paid from trust funds which those covered have paid into. It serves people over 65 primarily, whatever their income; and serves younger disabled…

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MY CHILD RECEIVES SSI AND IS ABOUT TO TURN 18 YEARS OLD. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

If you have a child who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and is about to turn eighteen (18) years old, it is very important to be aware of what actions…

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