WNY Coalition pooled trusts

The WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts are a joint effort between the Center for Elder Law & Justice, People Inc., and KeyBank. Typically, individuals receiving public benefits must stay within specific income and resource limits, or they risk losing those benefits for any month their funds are considered “available.” For individuals with disabling conditions, certain public benefit programs allow excess income or assets to be deposited into our Pooled Supplemental Needs Trust, making those funds exempt. The trust is managed by designated trustees who oversee all assets and distributions.

A trust may be a beneficial option if you have a disability and:

• You’ve received or expect to receive an inheritance
• You’re receiving a personal injury settlement
• You live in the community, receive community Medicaid, and struggle to pay your bills
• You have no income, and your assets make you ineligible for cash assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a friend or family member use the trust to set aside funds for their loved one?

  • 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.

What does it cost to use the trust?

  • 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.


Is the money deposited into the trust considered a resource?

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

Contact Us

For more information or to see if you qualify for services, please contact us!

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