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# Frequently Asked Questions
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## General Information:
What is a Special Needs Trust?
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Please read our blog post that explains what a Special Needs Trust is
< or visit our Solutions Page to read about first- and third-party Special Needs Trust accounts.
What is a Pooled Special Needs Trust?
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Please see the benefits of proceeding with a Pooled Special Needs trust here <
Why Should I protect my benefits?
For many individuals who are disabled and unable to work, protecting their health coverage and monthly income is invaluable.
Medicaid provides health coverage that generally does not require premiums or co-payments. In addition, Medicaid can also provide In-Home Support Services and long-term care in the future, if needed. Supplemental Security Income provides a monthly income to those who are disabled and allows them to use those funds for their monthly expenses.
## CPT Institute Information:
How will my CPT Representative assist me and Who is my CPT Representative?
The CPT Representative will be the designated individual who will assist you throughout the Trust Set up process. In addition, when your trust account is funded and active, you will have the same CPT Representative to ensure a smooth transition.
You can email help@cpttrust.org and our team will respond with the name of your assigned CPT Representative and contact information.
How can I learn more about my options and about CPT Institute?
Please book a 45-minute no-cost consultation and we will discuss various options and provide you a best plan of action.
Why are we so affordable?
As a true 501 (C)(3) non-profit charity, one of our charitable exemptions is to help as many people living with a disability and no longer able to earn a living. We want to provide you the best customer service and value as possible by offering the lowest cost trustee fees possible, subject to change based on our economy.
Besides the fees stated on the Pricing Page of your website, are there any additional fees that my client should expect charged on my account?
* We believe in fee transparency, so below are the fees that may be associated with your account:
* A **$30.00 Tax Preparation Fee** that occurs in every year in the Spring when the trust earns any income such as interest and dividends for the prior year. This only applies to Trust Beneficiaries that 1) have a Pooled Special Needs Trust and 2) live in California.
* If you would like to receive a Disbursement Request check faster, you may choose to send the check via Expediated Mail. There is a fee of **$35 per check** for this service.
* If you decide to obtain a True Link Card, it will cost **$10.00/month** (charged by True Link Financial).
What are the Rules and Regulations of obtaining a Special Needs Trust at CPT Institute?
We created a simple acronym called the “3-4-3" which will be discussed at your no-cost consultation. We review the three primary rules for administering a Special Needs Trust, four ways you can use your trust account, and the three guiding principles that CPT Institute follows.
## Consultation
How much is a Consultation?
As a true 501 (C)(3) non-profit charity, our consultations are no-cost and complimentary. Our mission is to provide education and training to the public, attorneys and professionals, and the legal community.
What to expect from a Consultation?
1. CPT Representative Case Information Intake (First 15 Minutes) - We will request some general and sensitive information from you to gain a better understanding of your situation to better assist (Add link to survey questions here)
2. CPT Introduction (5 Minutes) - Quick introduction of who CPT Institute is and what we do
3. Case Analysis with the Client or with your Attorney (10 Minutes) - Review the details of your case and form an action plan
4. Q&A (12 Minutes) - Question and answer session
5. Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways (3 Minutes) - Quick wrap up and next steps
## Signing
What is a Signing?
A Signing is where your designated CPT Representative goes over the rules and regulations established by the Social Security Administration and Medicaid offices that govern Special Needs Trusts.
How can I complete a Signing?
Signings are held virtually or you may schedule a time to come to our office. Options to sign documents:
1. **Electronic** Version – Sent to you and your witness via email from a service called Right Signature
2. **Email** – Your CPT Representative will send you the Master Trust documents to print, sign, scan, and email back.
3. **Mail** – Your CPT Representative can send you the documents via regular mail. This process takes a bit longer due to mail times.
How do I prepare for a Signing?
* Book a Signing on your CPT Representative’s Calendar. Please reserve forty-five minutes to an hour for your CPT Representative to walk you through the paperwork. Please email help@cpttrust.org and we will provide you the contact information for your CPT Representative.
* Review the state specific Joinder and Master Trust Document your CPT Representative provides you.
* Watch our 6-minute signing video located at <
* Have a witness over the age of 18 present.
* Complete a Monthly Spending Plan Sheet.
* Ensure your CPT Representatives has a copy of your Social Security Card on file.
What happens if I do not have a witness for my signing?
Please schedule and be prepared to sign your Master Trust Documents in front of a notary at the appointment.
I finished my Signing what happens next?
Please see the Signing Flow Sheet as this will explain the next steps in the process.
How fast can I set up a Trust Account?
We can set up an account as soon as we can schedule a signing appointment with a CPT Representative.
When is my Trust account active?
Your trust account will be active once CPT Institute receives funding and our bank confirms that the funds have been cleared. Your CPT Representative will keep you updated on funding and send you a confirmation when the trust account is active and ready to go.
I owe money to my friends and family members; can my future trust pay for my existing debt?
This depends. In general, the Social Security Administration and Medicaid offices want to see documentation and proof of any past debt that is going to be paid off. If there is insufficient documentation, past debt would not be able to be paid off.
Please see the POMS: <
I am confused on some terms used in the consultation, where can I look those up?
We have a Terms and Definitions area in our Resource Library. See here: <
Q: How long does it take to process a check request?
A: Generally speaking it takes about 3 to 4 business days. Request may be delayed or denied if they do not include correct or sufficient supporting documentation.
Q: Where do I send my Disbursement Request Form?
Q: I want to make a large purchase. Should I have my friend pay for it and then ask to be reimbursed?
Q: Can the trust pay for marijuana?
Q: Can the trust pay for a gambling debt?
Q: Can the trust pay for guns?
Q: Can the trust pay for cigarettes and alcohol?
Q: Can the trust pay for a pet?
Q: My friend/family member has to drive me places in his/her car. Can the trust pay for their gas and maintenance of the vehicle?
Q: Before joining the trust, I acquired debt in the form of credit card and student loans. Can the trust pay my old debt off?
**National Office**
**CPT Institute**
310 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. #107-174
San Marcos CA, 92078
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**Contact Us**
**Consultations & Training**
Phone: (855) 278-7681
Email: join@cptcharity.org
**Hours:** M-F 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
**Trust Client & Advocate Help**
Phone: (877) 695-6444
**Fax Requests:** 619.431.1997
**Email Requests:** inbox@cptcharity.org
**Hours:** M-TH 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
**Fridays:** 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST
**Quick Links**
**Donate**
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**501(C)(3) Non-Profit Charity**
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# Our Clients
# CPT Institute's Vision: Envisioning a society where the injured and at-risk can live independent lives with self-determination and dignity.
# Welcome
We’re excited to work with you while we protect your government benefit eligibility. Having helped clients across the nation build and safeguard government benefit, we are ready to walk you through this process confidently. You will learn how to maximize your funds with the CPT Insitute team, how you use your trust, and stay updated.
# I Signed Trust Docs, What's Next?
1. Receipts of Funds
Now that trust documents have been signed, CPT Institute is ready to receive funds in your trust account. Once we receive funding, an account will be established for you, the Trust Beneficiary. The financial institution that we work with, Charles Schwab, takes roughly 3-10 business days to open an account once funding has been received.
Once the bank confirms your account has been opened, CPT Institute will send you a welcome email (or welcome letter). This email (or letter) will provide you with more information on what you can expect.
**If you have not heard from CPT Institute since signing trust documents, it means that we are still waiting on funds. CPT Institute cannot move forward until funds have been received.**
2. Orientation Call
# Resource Library
# Disbursement Request
# What is a Disbursement Request?
It is a request to pay for purchases and bills with trust funds. Our goal at CPT is to provide the best customer service and convenient systems to make it easier for our Trust Beneficiaries and Advocates to submit Disbursement Requests.
# Why a Disbursement Request?
The purpose of a Special Needs Trust is to enhance the quality of life of the Trust Beneficiary. Trust funds are to be used to cover expenses above what is provided for by your government benefits (SSI, SSDI, & Medicaid). All of our rules and regulations are mandated by laws enforced by Social Security Administrative Office and the Department of Healthcare Services to ensure compliance at all times.
Please reach out to your assigned CPT Representative for additional questions or assistance to find the most efficient solution of submitting a disbursement request.
# Disbursement Request General Information
### Featured Resources
### Welcome Packet
### Allowable Distributions QR
### 3-4-3 Packet & Videos
# Where do I send a Disbursement Request?
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#### CPT Client Portal:Disbursement Request Tab
#### CPT Institute Website:Disbursement Request Form
#### Download our CPT Trust App in iOS and Android
#### Send an Email:inbox@cpttrust.org
#### Send a Fax:619-41-1997
#### Mail:310 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road #107-174 San Marcos, CA 92078
## 3 Ways to Get in Touch with Your CPT Representative
## Personal Calendar - Calendly
## Undivided scheduled time to ensure that your CPT Rep can reach and communicate you directly
## Email
## Due to high volume of emails, please note there will be a 24 hour response rate
## Phone
## Due to high volume of calls , please leave a message and your CPT Representative will do their best to get back to you within 24 hours
# Electronic Form
# Form
Learn more
# How to Complete a Disbursement Request Form
### How to Guide
Learn More
### Disbursement Request Form Explainer
# Our CPT Client Portal Access
## STEP 1:
Watch Video on How to Log In to your Portal:
## STEP 2:
Login Below:
## STEP 3:
An Email will be sent to your email once you Login Above with your new Portal Access Link
Once you receive the email with your CPT Portal Link please note this is a Secured Portal Weblink with encrypted coding.
**PLEASE DO NOT SHARE WITH ANYONE.**
## STEP 4:
Bookmark your portal link on your phone or computer web browser
# Resource