FAQ - Attorneys and Professionals - CPT Institute: Protecting Government Benefits for the Injured and At Risk

Please read our blog post that explains what a Special Needs Trust is

https://www.cptinstitute.org/special-needs-trust/ or visit our Solutions Page to read about first- and third-party Special Needs Trust accounts.

What is a Pooled Special Needs Trust?

What are the advantages of moving forward with a Pooled Special Needs Trust?

My client is on Social Security, but I do not know which benefit they are on, what do I do?

What is the difference between all the government benefits? How do I know if my client needs a trust?

What is a Spend Down?

CPT Institute Information:

How will my CPT Representative assist me and Who is my CPT Representative?

To provide you with excellent customer service, you will be assigned a specific representative. They will guide you through the Trust Set up process then work with you going forward to help you make the most of your trust account.

You can email help@cpttrust.org and our team will respond with the name of your assigned CPT Representative and contact information.

How can I learn more about my options and about CPT Institute?

Why are we so affordable?

Besides the fees stated on the Pricing Page of your website, are there any additional fees that my client should expect charged on my account?

We believe in cost transparency, so below are the fees that may be associated with your account:

An annual $30.00 Tax Preparation Fee is charged to create tax documents for the income and dividends for the prior year. This only applies to Trust Beneficiaries that 1) have a Pooled Special Needs Trust and 2) live in California.
If you would like to receive a Disbursement Request check faster, you may choose to send the check via Expediated Mail. There is a fee of $35 per check for this service.
If you decide to obtain a True Link Card, it will cost $10.00/month (charged by True Link Financial).

Consultation

How much is a Consultation?

As a true 501 (C)(3) non-profit charity, our consultations are no-cost and complimentary. Our mission is to provide education and training to the public, attorneys and professionals, and legal professionals to preserve and protect government benefit eligibilty.

What to expect from a Consultation?

CPT Representative Case Information Intake (First 15 Minutes) - We will request some general and sensitive information from you to gain a better understanding of your situation to better assist you.
CPT Introduction (5 Minutes) - Quick introduction of who CPT Institute is and what we do
Case Analysis with the Client or with your Attorney (10 Minutes) - Review the details of your case and form an action plan
Q&A (12 Minutes) - Question and answer session
Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways (3 Minutes) - Quick wrap up and next steps

Court Support

I was advised that CPT Institute can provide me Court Support. How much does that cost?

As a true 501 (C)(3) non-profit charity, our mission is to provide education and training to the legal professionals so our services for court support are at no-cost.

Do you have Petition Language?

Signing

What is a Signing?

A Signing is where your designated CPT Representative goes over the rules and regulations established by the Social Security Administration and Medicaid offices that govern the Special Needs Trust account.

How can I complete a Signing?

We provide different and convenient options for you or your family member to complete a signing. Signings are currently being held virtually. If you are near the San Diego Count region, we may be able to schedule an in-person signing.

Electronic Version – Sent to you and your witness via email from a service called Right Signature
Email – Your CPT Representative will send you the Master Trust documents to print, sign, scan, and email back.
Mail – Your CPT Representative can send you the documents via regular mail. This process takes a bit longer due to mail times.

How do I prepare for a Signing?

Book a Signing on your CPT Representative’s Calendar. Please reserve forty-five minutes to an hour for your CPT Representative to walk you through the paperwork. Please email help@cpttrust.org and we will provide you the contact information for your CPT Representative.
Review the state specific Joinder and Master Trust Document your CPT Representative provides you.
Watch our 6-minute signing video located at https://www.cptinstitute.org/cpt-signing-video/.
Have a witness over the age of 18 present.
Complete a Monthly Spending Plan Sheet.
Ensure your CPT Representatives has a copy of your Social Security Card on file.

What happens if I do not have a witness for my signing?

I finished my Signing what happens next?