[WSBAPT] Pooled trust / options for non-DDD estate beneficiary

[Peter D. Haroldson]

Hello all,

I am a probate GAL for a person who is under 65, experiencing long-term homelessness, and has documented long term mental health challenges likely exacerbated by homelessness.  Unfortunately, I cannot count on this person being able or willing to help me.   It has taken months just to get an in person meeting coordinated.

This person will inherit about $80-85k from a parent's estate.

This person reports receipt of some combination of SSI and SSA.  It is direct deposited to a bank account.  Without more information I cannot determine whether the benefits are needs-based but since it is SSI in part I suspect that it is.  The person has no paperwork except some medical bills which indicate that Medicare is the insurer.  I suspect a SNT is necessary, in an abundance of caution.

Some 10+ years ago the person applied for, but apparently never completed the process or was not eligible for, DD services.  I have confirmed with DD that the person is not receiving services.  I suspect the person is not able or willing to follow through with a new application for services.

The last option I want to deploy is a limited conservatorship as (1) I anticipate difficulty in finding a nominee (family does not wish to be involved), (2) a conservatorship does not address a potential loss of benefits from receipt of the inheritance, and (3) I do not want this small inheritance to be eaten up by fees and admin expenses.

A court-monitored SNT still has issues (1) and especially (3).

The pooled trusts that I am aware of are limited to DD recipients.  Proof of eligibility within the past two years is required.


  1.  Is there a pooled trust option for non-DD beneficiaries who need protection of a trust, specifically a SNT, for a small inheritance.
  2.  Does anyone have any other solutions they have used successfully?

Sincerely,

Peter D. Haroldson
Torres & Haroldson, PLLC
PO BOX 530
Maple Valley, WA 98038
Email: peter at torresharoldson.com<mailto:peter at torresharoldson.com>
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Phone: 425.458.3170

Our office is located at 22520 SE 218th Street, Maple Valley WA 98038.  Please send mail to PO BOX.

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