On May 14, 2018, the SSA published a new section regarding True Link and similar type cards in its Program Operations Manual System (POMS). This new section shows that the SSA is now recognizing these types of pre-paid debit cards as a legitimate way for trustees to manage funds in a special needs trust.
Special needs trusts are created to protect the assets of people with disabilities. When properly maintained, special needs trusts preserve the individual’s eligibility for public benefit programs, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
The trustees administering these special needs trusts must abide by strict rules enforced by the SSA regarding how the money is spent. A reloadable Visa card (True Link) allows the trustee to oversee the transactions while providing the beneficiary the ability to make purchases with a debit-type card. The True Link cards allow trustees to block purchases that would violate the SSA’s rules. These cards offer trust beneficiaries greater independence and the ability to get what they need more quickly while still giving the trustee the real-time transaction history needed for proper monitoring.
To learn more about how an administrator-managed debit card can be used in conjunction with a special needs trust, contact Stouffer Legal at 443-470-3599 in the Greater Baltimore area.
