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Gift cards/gift certificates can be a great gift for a special occasion, birthdays, appreciation, or even holidays. However, it can have a negative impact on an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Family and friends should err on the side of caution if they are considering to purchase gift cards for their loved ones who…

According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) POMS: SI 01140.200, Access to Financial Institutions (AFI) is in motion in all fifty (50) states). What does this mean? The Social Security Administration (SSA) is able view and request an applicant’s bank account balance data via the eAFI subsystem and the e4641 website. Why? This will allow the Social Security…

“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 frequently when processing beneficiaries’ check disbursement request forms (DRF). We know that filling out disbursement request forms for different payees can take time. However, CPT as…

It is very important that individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) report gross wages to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Reporting of wages should be done monthly and in a timely manner. the Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends that individuals report wages during the first six days of the month. Why? According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) it assists…

What are Resources?According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the term resources refers to money and other items that an individual may own and in turn can change into cash funds. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a list of sample resources that includes cash, bank accounts, stocks, U.S. saving bonds, land, life insurance, personal property, vehicles, deemed resources, and…

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 SSA counts in-kind support and maintenance as income when they are determining the amount of supplemental security income (SSI) benefits payment. Why? Well, according to the SSA,…

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 Trust. In the event of an audit from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the trustee (CPT), would have to adequately provide necessary documents to ensure that the…

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 due to the sole responsibility of ensuring that the specific benefits being utilized are not jeopardized. There are entitlement government benefits as well as means-tested…

Throughout my eighteen  years working with Special Needs Trusts and beneficiaries, the most common request  I receive from beneficiaries is, “How come I (beneficiary) cannot get cash or funds for myself, it’s my money.” CPT as 501(C)(3) non-profit Trustee, must follow and understand specific rules and regulations provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the trustee makes…

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 people and dialysis patients. Patients pay part of costs through deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums are required for non-hospital coverage. Medicare…