Springhill Pooled Accounts Trust

08/24/2026

💡 WHEN CAN A POOLED SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST HELP?

Pooled Special Needs Trusts can help protect eligibility for certain public benefits while allowing funds to be used to improve the life of a person with a disability. There are two different types, and the easiest way to understand them is to ask: Whose money is it?

🔹 FIRST-PARTY POOLED TRUST
Think “my money.” A first-party pooled trust may be helpful when a person with a disability receives or owns money that could affect eligibility for certain means-tested benefits. Common situations include:

• Receiving a personal injury settlement
• Receiving an inheritance directly
• Having savings or other assets above a benefit program's resource limit
• Receiving proceeds or funds that legally belong to the individual
• Receiving a lump-sum payment that could affect benefit eligibility

Example: Sarah receives Medicaid and inherits $40,000 directly from a relative. Because the inheritance belongs to Sarah, a first-party pooled trust may be an option to consider.

🔹 THIRD-PARTY POOLED TRUST
Think “someone else's money for my benefit.” A third-party pooled trust may be helpful when a parent, grandparent, family member, or another person wants to leave or give assets for the benefit of a person with a disability without giving the assets directly to that person. Common situations include:

• Parents planning for a child with a disability
• Grandparents wanting to leave an inheritance
• Family members making gifts for a person's future needs
• Naming the trust as a beneficiary in an estate plan
• Planning ahead for housing, transportation, recreation, education, and other supplemental needs

Example: John's parents want to leave money for his future needs without leaving the inheritance directly to John. They establish a third-party pooled trust arrangement as part of their planning.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULATION TODAY

Every person's circumstances and public benefits are different. Email Kathy Cecil at [email protected] to schedule a free consultation to learn more.

07/09/2026

Did you know an ABLE account can help individuals with disabilities save money without jeopardizing important benefits like SSI and Medicaid?

For 2026, up to $20,000 can be contributed annually, and the first $100,000 in an ABLE account is excluded from SSI resource limits. ABLE accounts can be used for a wide range of qualified disability expenses, including housing, transportation, education, assistive technology, and more.

Understanding how ABLE accounts work is an important part of protecting benefits while building greater financial independence.

Read the full article from the Special Needs Alliance to learn more.

Source: Special Needs Alliance – www.specialneedsalliance.org

WE ARE A National Alliance of Attorneys for Special Needs Planning Maximize & Preserve Benefits Protect Assets Assure Lifelong Care

05/13/2026

In just two days, our community will have access to something that does not happen every day… free legal guidance, real support, and trusted resources, all under one roof.

Attorneys ready to answer your questions. Community partners offering support. Health services, essential resources, and help you can actually use.

No cost. No barriers. Just people showing up to help.

Join Disability Law Group for their 8th Annual Free Legal Aid and Resource Fair:

Friday, May 15, 2026
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Troy Community Center

Register today: https://8thflarf.eventbrite.com

Providing valuable community resources and free legal aid to individuals with disabilities, veterans & anyone who may need support.

05/08/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health.

For many individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges can be compounded by isolation, financial stress, housing instability, grief, trauma, and navigating complex systems. No one should have to face those challenges alone.

At Springhill Pooled Trust, we believe every person deserves dignity, compassion, stability, and support. While we help beneficiaries manage funds within SSI and Medicaid guidelines, our mission goes far beyond financial administration. We strive to help individuals improve their quality of life, maintain independence, and feel supported through life’s challenges.

This month, we encourage everyone to:
• Check in on loved ones and neighbors
• Lead with kindness and patience
• Reduce stigma surrounding mental health
• Reach out for support when needed
• Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness

To our beneficiaries, families, referral partners, and community supporters: thank you for helping create a more compassionate and inclusive community for people with disabilities and mental health needs.

You matter. Your story matters. And support matters. 💚

05/04/2026

May is Elder Law Month — a time to focus on protecting the rights, dignity, and financial well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Planning ahead matters. Understanding long-term care options, preserving eligibility for public benefits, or ensuring your wishes are honored, having the right legal tools in place can make all the difference.

At Springhill, we’re committed to helping individuals and families navigate complex decisions with clarity and compassion — including the use of special needs pooled trusts to support quality of life while maintaining essential benefits.

If you or a loved one could benefit from guidance, now is a great time to start the conversation.

04/06/2026

We’re excited to be part of the upcoming ConnectAbility Special Needs Resource Fair at RARA Recreation Center on Saturday, April 11th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals with disabilities, families, and caregivers to connect with local organizations, discover valuable resources, and learn about services designed to support independence and quality of life.

Stop by our table to learn how the Springhill Pooled Trust helps manage funds and make distributions in a way that supports your goals while navigating SSI/Medicaid guidelines. We look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and being part of your journey.