FAQ

Your Frequently Asked Questions. If you don’t see your question answered below, please contact us at
860-523-4951. We’re here to help.

Who do you serve?

PLAN of CT assists individuals of all ages who live with any type of disability. Some may be profoundly affected by their conditions, while others may be nearly independent but in need of some critical support. Our clients include, but are not limited to, people with disabilities such as:

    • Autism
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Dementia
    • Drug and alcohol addictions
    • Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
    • Mental health challenges
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Acquired brain injury
    • Visual impairment

Who monitors the PLAN of CT?

In 1993, Connecticut state legislature granted PLAN of CT the authority to act as trustee of special needs trusts. We are carefully monitored by the Connecticut Department of Banking, and our operations are subject to the same review as other trust companies that operate in Connecticut.

What makes the PLAN of CT different from other options, like a bank or a trust company?

    • More than half of the members of our Board of Directors have direct, personal knowledge of and experience with disabilities; our by-laws stipulate that 51% or more must have a relative with a disability. 
    • We are the only organization in Connecticut approved to administer a Special Needs Pooled Trust. 
    • We have a singular focus on special needs trusts, which establishes us as a trusted partner.
    • We are committed to accepting trusts of any size, which is also unique to PLAN of CT.

Further, we are:

    • Experienced in simplifying complex matters for our clients and their families.
    • Cost-effective as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
    • Known for creating highly personalized, one-on-one Trust Administrator relationships with clients.
    • Able to provide attorneys with pre-drafted trust language and documents.
    • Able to release family members of a lifetime of money management responsibility, allowing them to be available to their loved one for emotional support and companionship.

Why do I need a Special Needs Trust?

At PLAN of CT, we know that establishing a Special Needs Trust (SNT) for an individual with a disability is vital to maintaining their well-being and safety. It allows them to be supported with additional assets and still qualify for the public benefits to which they are entitled. Public benefits are essential for ensuring continuity of care throughout an individual’s lifetime. An SNT permits a family member to leave an inheritance to a person with a disability without disrupting these benefits.

It provides funds for supplementary needs beyond housing and food, such as clothing, home visits, telephone service and other items, and it creates protection against creditors. Creating a Special Needs Trust (SNT) can safeguard current and future assets, while ensuring your loved one has sufficient resources to live and thrive. PLAN of CT trust documents are written in accordance with federal law and are provided to local participating attorneys. Unlike trusts at many banks, PLAN of CT trusts require no minimum funding. Establishing an SNT with PLAN of CT can assure family members that they or their relative with a disability will continue to live a fulfilled and dignified life.

An individual with a Special Needs Trust may use their trust assets to:

  • Supplement state and federal benefits
  • Help maintain self-sufficiency
  • Purchase necessary services and items 
  • Pay bills
  • Enhance quality of life

Is PLAN of CT capable of working with individuals who may not understand the need for the trust, or who present obstacles or other challenges?

PLAN of CT was originally established by families who had loved ones living with disabilities. It is not uncommon to experience an initial misunderstanding of the role of the fund provider. We are experienced in working to establish a trusting and understanding relationship with all parties.

Must I fund the third party trust now?

No. Many families make the establishment of a trust as part of their estate plan, and the trust is funded through their will. There are several options that can be discussed, including the benefits of funding early.

What happens to money remaining in the trust when the beneficiary dies?

Our Third Party Trusts allow the grantor to name specific individuals or charities as remainder beneficiaries. A remainder beneficiary could be one person or a combination of charities and people. A family’s attorney will help you make this decision. PLAN of CT does not require any funds to be left to our organization.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us at (860) 523-4951.

What if our family does not have a lot of money with which to establish a trust?

We accept and manage trusts of any size; a family does not need to consider themselves wealthy to work with us.

Is the trust money invested?

Yes. We invest funds conservatively on behalf of our beneficiaries and according to the CT Uniform Prudent Investors Act. An Investment Committee actively guides the investment manager.

Will PLAN of CT act with our family as a co-Trustee?

PLAN of CT has a Trust Committee charged with making all distribution decisions, but we do encourage relatives or family friends to be involved in the process. Ultimately, PLAN of CT has sole discretion when it comes to trust distributions.

Will PLAN of CT hold property in trust?

At present, PLAN of CT only holds liquid assets in trust.

What if the trust beneficiary moves out of Connecticut?

PLAN of CT serves individuals who live throughout the entire United States. The trust simply needs to be established while the individual grantor or beneficiary is residing in Connecticut.

Resources for Families

Third Party Trusts

A Third Party Special Needs Trust is most often established by the parents/guardians of an individual with a disability, although it can be established by anyone on behalf of this individual. The trust can be funded at any time after establishment, but most commonly funds come from the grantor’s estate after passing.

Pooled Trusts

The Pooled Special Needs Trust is the only trust in CT that an individual over 65 can contribute their own income or assets into in order to retain a lifetime benefit from those assets/income, and still qualify for public benefits like Medicaid or waiver programs.

Charitable Trust Grants

The PLAN of CT Charitable Trust is a fund which allows individuals of any age who have a disability to apply for one-time needs-based assistance through a grant to purchase a service or resource meant to enhance the individual’s quality of life.

Self-Settled Trusts

A Self-Settled Special Needs Trust is used when a disabled individual under 65 receives a direct inheritance, a back payment from Social Security, a settlement, or a lottery win that would affect their eligibility for state or federal benefits. A Self-Settled trust can protect these assets as well as entitlement eligibility.

Ways To Support

Whether you are a family or a business, you make the difference to our organization and those we serve by contributing financial support, time and/or expertise.

There are various ways to support PLAN of CT.

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Address

P.O. Box 290937
Wethersfield, CT 06129-0937

Call Us

PHONE 860-523-4951
FAX 8
60-523-0267