Examples of How Families Can Use
The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust

The following stories illustrate some ways the trust could be used to benefit you or your family member with a disability:

Shane's Story

Shane is a teenager who has both cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilites as a result of his premature birth. His younger sister also has some disabilities, though hers are not as severe. Their mother, Rhonda, is a divorced, working mom who cares for her children at home. Both her children attend public schools during the day, and Rhonda receives minimal help from a Medicaid-funded attendant care program for about six hours each week.

Now that Shane, who uses a wheelchair, is a teenager, he has grown too heavy for Rhonda to lift by herself. Bathing Shane and taking him to the restroom became increasingly difficult for Rhonda. One of Shane's teachers noticed that the family was struggling and stepped in to help. The teacher helped the family remodel their house to accommodate Shane's needs, and they began seeking help from local nonprofit organizations. What Rhonda really needed was a ceiling tracking system that could lift Shane between his bedroom, bathroom, and wheelchair. But the system was expensive.

A local newspaper offered to run an article about the family's situation, and as a result, residents donated thousands of dollars to a bank account established on Shane's behalf! Rhonda was elated. Then she got the bad news. If the family accepted this gift, they would no longer be eligible for Medicaid. Rhonda knew that if they used the money to pay for Shane's everyday medical needs, it would evaporate in a matter of weeks. Then an attorney suggested a solution that would allow Shane to keep his benefits, and accept the generous gift from their community: opening a Master Pooled Trust account. This enabled the family to purchase the ceiling tracking system and a van with a wheelchair lift that enables Shane to get out of the house more often.

Todd’s Story

When Todd was 34, he was seriously injured in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. When he was awarded a settlement from a personal injury lawsuit, his attorney was concerned, rather than relieved. She knew having the additional money meant Todd would no longer qualify for the Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid benefits that were paying for his everyday needs such as housing and food.

Todd and his attorney were happy to learn about the Master Pooled Trust. They established an account in Todd’s name that allowed the court to award the settlement directly to the trust, rather than to Todd himself. Todd considered placing the money in a bank trust, but he felt that he would need a great deal of information and support for the rest of his life. The fact that his trust would be managed by an organization like The Arc—with so much experience in serving people with disabilities—was extremely important and comforting to him.

Ethan’s Story

Ethan is an active 8-year-old who has intellectual disabilites. He is already dreaming about his future. Someday, he wants to work at a library and live in his own apartment. Ethan’s parents are planning for his future, too. They want to make sure that when Ethan moves out of their home, he will continue to have everything he needs to lead a happy, productive life.

His parents started their planning process by opening a Master Pooled Trust account for Ethan. They decided that in addition to funding the account through their life insurance policies, they would invest $10,000 from their savings account in the trust now so that while Ethan is growing, his trust will also have a chance to grow. This way, they know Ethan will have money available throughout his adulthood to use for any supplemental needs his job or government benefits cannot provide.

Brianne’s Story

Weighing only 14 ounces when she was born, Brianne was the smallest baby ever to survive at the Methodist Hospital in Dallas. As a result of her premature birth, Brianne has a number of serious medical complications. Her parents depend heavily on government benefits to provide Brianne with nursing care, physical therapy, and medical supplies such as catheters and oxygen tanks.

A local Kiwanis Club raised money to help Brianne’s family. However, knowing that Brianne’s benefits would be endangered if they accepted this gift, her parents thought they would have to decline the offer. Instead, their attorney suggested they open a Master Pooled Trust account for Brianne. Now the trust is providing her with some of the things Medicaid can’t, such as diapers, eyeglasses, and visits from her grandmother.

Claudia’s Story

Jorge and Teresa have specified in their wills that they want to leave some assets from their estate to their daughter Claudia, who has cerebral palsy. Their attorney suggested that they direct the assets into a Master Pooled Trust account so that when Claudia receives her inheritance, she will still be eligible for her government benefits. However, Claudia’s parents wanted some assurance that the money would be used in the way they intended. They decided to enroll in the trust now (even though the account won’t be funded until the time of their deaths) so they can put their wishes for Claudia in writing through the legally binding Master Pooled Trust Joinder Agreement.