pooled trusts

The WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts are a collaboration between The Center for Elder Law & Justice, People Inc., and KeyBank.

In general, individuals receiving public benefits are restricted to certain income and resource levels, depending on the particular public benefits program. Access to income and/or resources over those levels can result in a loss of benefits for each month those funds are deemed to be “available.” However, individuals with disabling conditions in certain public benefit programs have the option to deposit income and/or assets into our Pooled Supplemental Needs Trust, and, once done, those funds become exempt. The trustees oversee the assets and all distributions from the trust. For more information please view the informational video below, including client interviews, and visit www.wnypooledtrust.org.

  • A trust might be a good option for you if you are disabled and:

  • Receive an inheritance

  • Receive or are about to receive a personal injury settlement

  • Live in the community and receive community Medicaid and cannot pay your bills

  • Have no income and your assets make you ineligible for cash assistance.

Call the WNYCPT at 1-866-362-5081 or visit the website at www.wnypooledtrust.org to get more information and see if you qualify for the trust.

Common questions:

  • Yes, the trust can be used by family or friends for future planning; however, the individual who will benefit from the trust must be disabled.

  • There are minimal fees associated with the trust that are used to pay for the costs of administering the trust. You can get more information about the fees applicable to your individual situation by calling 1-866-362-5081.

  • No, the money in the trust is exempt for both Medicaid and Social Security.