Recommended Books
The Special Needs Trust Administration Manual, A Guide
for Trustees - by Barbara D. Jackins, Esq., Richard
S. Blank, Esq., Peter M. Macy, Esq., Harriet H. Onello,
Esq., and Ken W. Shulman, Esq. Published by People with
Disabilities Press at iUniverse (2004): $15.95. Available
from Disabilitiesbooks.com
 The
Special Needs Trust Administration Manual: A Guide for Trustees
is a valuable reference guide for anyone who is managing
a special needs trust for a person with disabilities. Written
by five Massachusetts attorneys, the book will appeal to
both professional trustees and lay persons. It is concise,
easy to use, and packed with helpful information.
A central theme that runs throughout the book is the beneficiary's
eligibility for public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid,
and Section 8 housing. What can the trustee safely pay for
without risking those benefits? The authors give useful
advice and provide many concrete examples.
This is a practical reference took. In easy to understand
language, the authors answer common questions such as
- What are my responsibilities to the disabled beneficiary?
- Can I spend money for a car, trip, or gift?
- Can I buy a house or condominium, and if so, who should
own the property?
- What expenses can I safely pay without risking SSI
benefits?
- How do I open a bank account?
- Does the trust needs it own taxpayer identification
number?
- What happens if I need to resign?
The book is logically organized into chapters that address
topics such as public benefit programs, housing, recreation,
transportation, and taxes. The authors also explain the
trustee's bond, fees, record keeping, accounting requirements,
and fiduciary investment responsibilities.
Since the authors are Massachusetts attorneys, the book
explains how SSI and Medicaid regulations are applied in
that state. However, readers in any state can benefit from
the valuable information in this book.
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