Special needs trusts are drawn up so that eligibility for public benefits is not jeopardized. The trusts are intended to supplement, not to replace, basic support. Many families like the piece of mind of knowing that the trust will be there to help with an unexpected crisis as well as current needs. Many also like to know that the trust will pay burial or cremation expenses and that the trustee, following the family's directives, will help make these arrangements. The Fund acts as trustee for nearly 200 special needs trusts and is named in the wills of many more families.
Beneficiaries live in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Arizona.
The Fund will consider other western states. The Fund will also act as a co-trustee in most instances if so requested by the family. The Board of Trustees invests special needs trust funds in a pooled account and closely monitors the investments. While an individual can be the trustee of a special needs trust, there are distinct advantages to having The Good Shepherd Fund or other corporate trustee as the trustee. An individual may die or be unable to perform trustee duties.