Do you know The Arc of Texas operates one of the largest pooled trusts in the country and is often called upon as experts in the field of pooled special needs trusts?
Since 1997, we've worked hand-in-hand with families like The Carrington's to help people with disabilities manage their funds while preserving government benefits eligibility. Why? Because people with disabilities should not be financially limited.
"It makes my heart happy if our story could help others." — Tammy, Jonathan's Mom
If a person with a disability receives even a modest amount of money, exceeding $2,000, from an inheritance, a gift, a court settlement, or even from a savings account established on their behalf, they may become ineligible for critical government benefits. However, if funds
are placed in a Master Pooled Trust sub-account, government benefits are not at risk.
Tammy Carrington recently shared her family's experience in hopes that it will help others understand the value of financial guidance and security for people with disabilities and their caretakers. Tammy established a trust account with The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust
for her son, Jonathan, who requires full-time caretaking.
"My son, Jonathan, got his trust set up last year. I had a list of things I was trying to get for my son, and I needed guidance. I was overwhelmed. By the end of our
conversation with The Arc of Texas, I was almost in tears because I was feeling overjoyed and empowered. The Master Pooled Trust Coordinator helped me understand what I needed to do." — Tammy
"We just got approved for a rehab machine we have only dreamed of getting for about 20 years (it has always been financially out of our reach), and that dream is about to be a reality. I tried many times to get insurance to cover it, without success. We are pinching ourselves
right now!
We were also able to get a wheelchair van we desperately needed and it has been life changing to get my son to appointments safely. The nurses were having to physically lift him out of his wheelchair and then put him into the seat in the van. It was awkward and unsafe because he could be dropped,
or the nurse could get injured. My son has a trach and moving him safely is our top priority. Now, he can go to doctor appointments with such ease, rolling his wheelchair into the van and rolling him out… no lifting or injuries.
"We are still pinching ourselves because our life has changed for the better with these approvals." — Tammy
We are absolutely happier than we have been in years because we are all helping Jonathan have a better quality of life. We are grateful for the support and we are sending hugs!"
"I love seeing Tammy and Jonathan's happy faces! Hearing from our beneficiaries reminds me every day how important this service is. The trust allows people with disabilities of any kind to live their best lives while protecting government
benefits. We’re here for people when no one else is." — Haley Greer, Director of The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust
While trust accounts are funded by the beneficiary or others for their benefit, running The Master Pooled Trust—and staffing a stellar, skilled team of trust coordinators who problem-solve with beneficiaries, families and attorneys—requires significant expense for The
Arc of Texas.
Your support helps us cover staff education, keep abreast of trust laws and benefit regulations, provide hundreds of trainings on special needs trusts across Texas and the U.S., develop informational resources, and advocate for critical supports and services for and with Texans with
IDD and their families. Please, give today. Thank you!
