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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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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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WHAT ARE "SSI CRITERIA" STATES?

​States that are known as “SSI Criteria” states are certain states that use Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility criteria (for aged, blind, disabled) for Medicaid. Per the Social Security Administration (SSA), these states could make…

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WHAT ARE CPT INSTITUTE’S RESPONSIBILITIES AS TRUSTEE?

What are CPT Institute’s Responsibilities as Trustee? By Cameron Lindahl M.S. and Sara Toor M.A Before addressing this topic, it is important to note that books have been dedicated to…

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What Are Household Goods and Personal Effects and Why Do They Matter?

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) is deciding whether you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they look to see if you have too much income or own too much…

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WHAT CAN YOU PAY FOR WITH MY SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST?

Now that I know I need a Special Needs Trusts, the question is: What can I pay for with my trust? How and what you can purchase from your Special Needs…

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What Happens To My SSI and Medicaid Benefits If I Travel

If you travel outside the United States without taking proper precautions, you could lose your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid POMS: SI 02301.225 you are ineligible if…

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WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SSI BENEFITS IF I HAVE TO GO TO JAIL OR PRISON?

There are certain criteria that may jeopardize an individual’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or make him/her ineligible for benefits. Some specific situations that would cause an individual to become ineligible include, but…

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WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) AND MEDICAID BENEFITS IF I TRAVEL?

What Happens to my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid Benefits if I Travel? By Cameron Lindahl M.S. and Sara Toor M.A. Without providing proper notice, recipients of SSI may…

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WHAT IF A BENEFICIARY RECEIVES A FEDERAL TAX REFUND?

What if a Beneficiary Receives a Federal Tax Refund? Sara Toor, M.A. & Cameron Lindahl, M.S.  ​When beneficiaries file taxes they may receive a federal tax refund and even a…

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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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WHAT IS EARNED INCOME?

Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will lose eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments if he/she receives earned income. Earned income may be cash or in kind. The Social Security…

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WHAT IS MAGI?

MAGI is known as modified adjusted gross income. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA)it provides an easier way to calculate income eligibility for Medicaid through the insurance marketplace. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has actually…

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WHAT IS THE BENEFIT ASSIST APP/TOOL?

What is the Benefit Assist App/Tool? William Lindahl, MBA, CLPF & Sara Toor, M.A ​Benefit Assist is an open source program software that was created by Intuit in 2015 originally…

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WHAT IS THE HARTMAN FORMULA?

What is the Hartman Formula? By Sara Toor M.A. & Cameron Lindahl M.S.  ​If you are an Applicant Attorney or an individual that works extensively with individuals who will be…

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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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WHY IS MY MARITAL STATUS IMPORTANT TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has different guidelines for individuals that are single or unmarried and for individuals who are married when determining benefit eligibility. Since Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program, the…

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