Special Needs Trusts in Phoenix AZ

Who stands to benefit from a Special Needs Trust?

The ALTCS benefit (Arizona Long Term Care System) helps eligible individuals with limited assets pay for their long-term healthcare.  However, people with too many assets to qualify for the benefit can prepare to meet ALTCS requirements and qualify for the benefit.  One such way is by establishing a Special Needs Trust.

What is a Special Needs Trust?

Special Needs Trusts allow people to retain some of their savings and still qualify for the ALTCS benefit.  This is because ALTCS does not include Special Needs Trust assets when determining eligibility.  Moreover, neither AHCCCS nor SSI counts assets in a Special Needs Trust when determining eligibility for AHCCCS medical insurance or SSI cash benefits.  Special Needs Trusts thus expedite eligibility for many applicants who would not otherwise qualify for assistance.

The ALTCS benefit provides just enough coverage for long-term healthcare, but many ALTCS members require additional support to maintain the quality of life they are accustomed to.  The problem is that ALTCS members can be disqualified from benefits if they have too many countable resources.  Special Needs Trusts are non-countable resources, however, so they can be used to supplement the ALTCS benefit without jeopardizing members’ eligibility.  As long as trust funds are spent appropriately, Special Needs Trusts can help ALTCS members maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

How can Special Needs Trust funds be spent?

ALTCS members with a Special Needs Trust must not spend trust funds on impermissible expenses.  ALTCS countrust assets used for impermissible expenses as income, which can disqualify members from the benefit.  ALTCS permits members to use Special Needs Trust funds on the following types of expenses:

  • Home maintenance or repair
  • School tuition and books
  • Appropriate entertainment expenses
  • Supplemental caregiver services
  • Trust management expenses
  • Prepaid burial plans
  • Medical services not covered by public benefits
  • Personal care
  • Clothing
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