Suggestions for Use of Trust Funds



To Beneficiaries of Vista Points THIRD-PARTY SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUSTSSuggestions for Use of the Trust FundsNow that you have established a trust account with Vista Points Third Party Supplemental Needs Trusts, here are some things you should know about how the funds in the trust can be spent.One major rule you must understand is: The trust funds must be used only for the benefit of the Trust Beneficiary.The Trustee is often requested to make distributions from the beneficiary’s trust funds for gifts on behalf of the Beneficiary, such as for birthdays and Christmas. Unfortunately, gifts are not permitted to be paid from the beneficiary’s trust. The trust money is to be used solely for the benefit of the beneficiary – the person living with a physical, mental, or intellectual disability. Trust beneficiaries who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid can have items or services purchased on their behalf only for goods and services that Medicaid does not cover. Items and services that cannot be paid from the trust relate to housing and food. Any disbursement made from the beneficiary’s trust for these items or services is counted as “in-kind support and maintenance”. These types of distributions can lower the monthly SSI payment and have the potential to cancel SSI benefits, thereby causing Medicaid coverage to also be lost. In an effort, to protect these needed government benefits, the Trustee will not make distributions of this type. Suggestions & Exclusions Related to Trust Fund UsageThe following items cannot be paid from a Third-Party Supplemental Needs Trust:Cash RentMortgage PaymentsFoodGiftsGasolineProperty TaxesUtilities – Water, Electricity, Sewer, Gas, Heating Fuel, Trash RemovalAt times, there are exceptions to this rule. If you have questions, please contact the Vista Points office.The following items/services are suggested expenses that can be considered for payment from a Third-Party Supplemental Needs Trust: Personal Items/ServicesAppliancesElectronic EquipmentEye Exam and GlassesDental Exam/DenturesClothingInternet/Cable TVCell Phone/TelephoneAudiology Exam & Hearing AidsFurnitureAlternative TherapiesProfessional FeesCase ManagementMedical-related Co-paymentsPre-need Funeral Arrangements (State permitting)Nonmedical careVacationsHome MaintenanceOver-the-counter MedicationsClassesIf you have questions regarding an anticipated expense, please contact theVista Points office at 615-758-4660. ................
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