Commonly Asked Questions
What is a Pooled Trust?
A pooled trust is designed to manage an individual's excess monthly income and expenses in order to facilitate eligibility for Medicaid or other public assistance programs. Each participant in the pooled trust maintains a separate account, which is administered solely for their benefit and may be used to cover essential living expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, and credit card obligations—provided these payments are made to third-party vendors.
A pooled trust allows individuals to deposit their excess monthly income into a trust managed by a nonprofit organization, such as Community First. The funds can be used for living expenses and non-covered medical costs, effectively reducing their overall income and enabling them to qualify for Medicaid.
The current allowable Medicaid income limit is $1,677 for an individual. This is subject to change yearly.
Typically, couples or individuals seeking to qualify for Medicaid or other public benefits have a monthly income just above the Medicaid eligibility limit. To qualify, they are required to “spend down” the portion of their income that exceeds this limit on health care expenses before they can access Medicaid benefits.
A “spend down” to meet the Medicaid income limit is often difficult—if not impossible—for many individuals, even those whose income is well above the threshold. This is due to essential living expenses such as housing, groceries, clothing, and other basic needs. Additionally, paying for medical care without insurance is often prohibitively expensive. As a result, many people cannot afford the “spend down” or the additional out-of-pocket medical costs. This is where a pooled trust can provide crucial support.
Individuals enrolled in a pooled trust through an organization like Community First will identify eligible living expenses to be paid through the trust. We will then work with you to set up monthly automatic payments for these expenses from the pooled trust. Your monthly income will be reduced by the amount deposited into the trust, which is used to cover your designated monthly expenses. This reduction in income can help make you eligible for Medicaid or other public assistance programs.
What is a beneficiary?
A beneficiary is a person who receives Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Social Security and SSI are two different programs. we administer both. .
Who needs a Representative Payee?
The law requires most minor children and all legally incompetent adults to have payees.
Social Security presumes an adult is capable of managing his or her own benefits. If it appears this may not be true, they will gather evidence to decide if you need to appoint a representative payee.
What are the key responsibilities of a Representative payee?
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Manage benefit payments to meet the beneficiary’s essential needs (food, shelter, medical care, etc.)
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Save any unused funds in an interest-bearing account or savings bonds for future needs
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Keep detailed records of how the money is spent or saved
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Report changes in the beneficiary’s situation (e.g., address, marital status, health condition) to SSA
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Avoid misuse: Payees must not use the funds for their own needs or mix them with personal finances
Pooled trusts are administered by not-for-profit organizations like Community First Care Organization.
To be eligible for a pooled trust, an individual must be determined to be disabled and must either be a Medicaid recipient or seeking to become one by using a pooled trust to reduce their income. To use a Community First Care Organization pooled trust, the individual must be a resident of New York State.
Yes! Fees from non-profit administrators of pooled trusts can vary. If you’re a resident of New York State, contact us to find out more about our pooled trust program
Pooled trust funds can cover living expenses like rent, mortgage, utilities, and credit card bills. To request payment, submit a disbursement form and invoice. Payments go directly to the landlord or third party.
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