2. The Achieving Independence Trust 4 Step Process
Clearly express your
intent in your trust
and related documents
Step 2
Choose a management
system and team to
carry out your intent 2

3. THE IDEAL TRUSTEE
Will use discretion in the best interest of the disabled beneficiary
Must understand public benefits and keep up with changes in the law
Can wisely invest and conform to all statutory fiduciary requirements
Understands taxes
Keeps perfect books
Provides advocacy and prevents abuse
Is immortal 3

4. Advocacy Accountability Financial
Will use discretion in the best interest of the disabled beneficiary
Must understand public benefits
Provides advocacy and prevents abuse
Accountability
Keeps perfect book
Carries insurance, is bondable or has deep pockets
Is immortal
Financial
Can wisely invest and conform to all statutory fiduciary requirements
Understands taxes 4

5. Model 1 – the Trustee directed by a Trust Advisory Committee.
The Trustee manages funds, makes distributions, does taxes, keeps records
The Trustee directed by a Trust Advisory Committee which directs distributions, can amend the trust or replace the Trustee
Can include care manager
Trustee
Advisory Committee 5

6. Model 2 – the Trustee directed by a Care Manager.
The Trustee manages the funds
The Trustee can be directed by a Care Manager.
The Care Manager interacts with the beneficiary
The Trust Protector oversees the Trustee and Care Manager from a distance and can replace either for any reason
Care Manager
Trustee
Trust Protector 6

7. Model 3 – Co-Trustees
For smaller trusts, or trusts where the beneficiary can advocate for herself, Co-trustees with the power to seek assistance from benefit, tax and financial advisors may be adequate.
Co Trustees 7

8. Which Model Should you Choose?
The choice of which model is right for your situation will depend upon
The beneficiary’s disability and unique needs
The amount of funds in the trust
The need for advocacy and care managers
The proximity of the Trustees or advisory committee members 8

9. SELECTION OF MANAGEMENT TEAM MEMEBERS
Family or friends,
Professional fiduciary,
Trust Company,
C.P.A.,
Private Socialworker or Case Manager,
Or a combination of the above. 9

10. Trust Protector
A Trust Protector oversees how the trust is managed, without day to day involvement
The Trust Protector reviews accountings and assessments from the care manager
The Trust Protector may hire and fire the trustee or care manager without cause
A Trust Protector can be a professional, family or friends. 10

12. The Achieving Independence Trust 4 Step Process
Clearly express your
intent in your trust
and related documents
Step 2
Choose a management
system and team to
carry out your intent
Step 3
Develop a funding
plan to fulfill your
intent 12

13. Funding Your Child’s Special Needs Trust
Consider a Trust as a vehicle, the Trustee as the driver, and funding is the fuel to help the Special Needs Trust reach its goal. 13

14. Other Funding Options Life insurance Real Estate Cash or investments
529 Plans
Retirement plans including 401Ks and IRAs. (requires the assistance of an attorney and financial planner or CPA) 14