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Defense Finance and Accounting Service Providing payment services for the U.S. Department of Defense

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HomeRetiredMilitaryprovidesbpspecial needs trust

 

**Customer Service**

800-321-1080M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

##### **askDFAS**

**FormsFrequently Asked Questions**

 

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                          - Comparing CRSC and CRDP
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                          - Survivor Benefit Plan
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                          - Reserve Component SBP
                          - Secondary Dependency
                          - Branch Contact Information
                        - Survivors and Beneficiaries                            - Start an SBP Annuity
                          - Manage Your SBP Annuity
                          - Report SBP Annuitant's Death
                          - Report a Retiree's Death
                          - Survivor Benefit and Arrears of Pay Frequently Asked Questions
                          - Understanding SBP, DIC and SSIA
                          - Starting SBP for Gray-Area Reservist
                          - School Certifications
                          - SBP-DIC News
                          - Powers of Attorney/Third Party Representatives for Annuitants
                        - Secondary Dependency

## Special Needs Trust

#### **What you need to know about Special Needs Trusts (SNT)**

The Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15 NDAA), Public Law 113-291, amended Title 10, U.S. Code, Sections  1448, 1450, and 1455. This amendment gave military members and retirees the option to direct payment of a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Annuity for a dependent child to a Special Needs Trust (SNT). A SNT is a legal instrument specifically designed for the benefit of a person with a disability. In some cases, this may preserve the beneficiary’s eligibility for other federal or state benefits.

##### **Eligibility Requirements**

To be eligible to elect the option to cover the SNT under SBP, the member or retiree must have previously elected Spouse and Child or Child Only coverage for a disabled child under the SBP. There must also be an established and certified SNT.

##### **Who May Make the Election and Effective Dates**

If the member is alive and if they have previously elected Spouse and Child or Child Only coverage under the SBP, they may make the designation to direct payment on the behalf of a beneficiary to a SNT at any time.

After the death of a member or retiree, if the member or retiree had elected Spouse and Child or Child Only coverage under the SBP, any surviving parent, grandparent or court appointed legal guardian may make the designation on the behalf of a beneficiary.

##### **Required Documentation**

                        - A written statement of the decision to have the annuity paid to the SNT
                        - Attorney’s Special Needs Trust Certification -  Click to download the Attorney Certification
                        - Name and tax identification number for the SNT by or before the time your beneficiary applies for their annuity

##### **Other Useful Information**

                        - The election to make payment to a SNT on the behalf of a SBP beneficiary is irrevocable
                        - The written statement must have the dependent child’s name and tax ID number

##### **Submission of SNT Paperwork**

Submit certified Special Needs Trust paperwork to the following Defense Finance and Accounting Service address:

Defense Finance and Accounting ServiceU.S. Military Retired Pay8899 E 56th StreetIndianapolis, IN 46249-1200

##### **Additional SNT Assistance**

It is important that you examine your child's needs and how any additional income may impact them with and without a trust. There are attorneys who specialize in this area and are qualified in assisting you to explore your options.

Your installation's Exceptional Family Member Program (Military and Family Support Office) and the Legal Assistance Office can provide advice and referrals to local attorneys who specialize in special-needs laws.

You can also visit **https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-and-relationships/special-needs**, an official Department of Defense website, or speak to a special needs consultant at Military OneSource at 800-342-9647.

##### **Members Who Have Established a SNT**

If you already have a SNT established for your dependent child and are interested in redirecting their future SBP annuity claim to the SNT, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service can help. Requirements for directing payment of SBP annuity to the SNT can be found above.

If you have any further questions in regard to establishing payment to a Special Needs Trust, please contact us through one of our **customer service** avenues. 

#### **Related Links:**

                        - NDAA 2023 SBP Open Season
                        - SBP Withdrawal due to VA Disability
                        - Same-Sex Marriage SBP
                        - Advantages and Disadvantages
                        - Enroll
                        - Eligible Beneficiaries
                        - Cost
                        - Paying for SBP
                        - Update Beneficiary
                        - Change or Stop Coverage
                        - Educate Your Beneficiaries
                        - What Happens When You Die

Page updated May 5 2024

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