History

Achieve With Us: Pooled Income Trust

I had a ton of fun. I was able to go to Disneyland and Universal Studios. We went on a train ride, and I was able to get lots of souvenirs and had a really fun time. My favorite part about the trip was when we went to have breakfast with the Disney princesses – I got to meet all the princesses and get my picture taken with all of them. In the future, I really want to go to Hawaii. I’ve always wanted to go there.
-Mary, guardianship program participant at The Arc Pikes Peak Region and beneficiary of the Pooled Income Trust

In Wednesday’s (4/26) “3 Things for the Week” Facebook live video, Donna Butzin, trustee for The Arc Pikes Peak Region, stopped by to chat about a unique opportunity we offer to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: The Pooled Income Trust. This trust allows people with I/DD to save money so that they truly can “Achieve with Us.” Keep reading to learn more about the Pooled Income Trust and how you can participate.

What is The Pooled Income Trust?

The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s Pooled Income Trust is a Medicaid-approved financial tool for people who are resource-tested. Resource-tested means that the individual is only allowed to have $2,000 maximum in resources (for example, money in a bank account), per person. Individuals who join the trust are beneficiaries of the trust, and this allows them to save money for vacations, special items, hobbies or anything else that will improve their quality of life. The trust’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of the beneficiaries with intellectual and developmental disabilities; to safeguard assets and preserve their public assistance through accountable management and sound fiduciary practices.

Special Considerations for the Pooled Income Trust

Before enrolling in the Pooled Income Trust, there are a few items to consider:

• To participate in The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s Pooled Income Trust, the person has to have an intellectual or developmental disability diagnosis.

• Although fees are minimal, administration and management fees apply. All assets are managed locally, here in the Colorado Springs community.

• Any and all distributions from the Pooled Income Trust are for the sole benefit of the beneficiary, who is the person enrolled. Relatives, friends or anybody else in the beneficiary’s life will not benefit from this trust.

• Anything that Medicaid can or should provide cannot be purchased with trust funds.
Additionally, we make extra efforts to support and encourage individuals to fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals.

Here at The Arc Pikes Peak Region, we make every effort to support and encourage individuals to fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals. Improving the quality of life for people with I/DD in the community is one of our top priorities — we know our beneficiaries and work to improve their lives in ways that are unique to them. To learn more, contact The Arc Pikes Peak Region at (719) 471-4800, ext. 118, or donna@thearcppr.org.