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Life Navigators Trust Program Options
An Affordable Option for Individuals and Families of All Ages
A trusted community partner for over 70 years, Life Navigators is one of two major special needs trust programs in Wisconsin.
What is a Special Needs Trust?
A trust is a legal entity that owns and manages assets for the benefit of an individual. In this case, the person benefiting has a disability. Unlike other trusts, a Life Navigators Trust does not negatively impact someone’s eligibility for public benefits.
What is a Special Needs Trust?
A trust is a legal entity that owns and manages assets for the benefit of an individual. In this case, the person benefiting has a disability. Unlike other trusts, a Life Navigators Trust does not negatively impact someone’s eligibility for public benefits.
Trust I – Community Trust
Funded by parents, grandparents or other third party
The Life Navigators Trust I – Community Trust (Third Party Trust) can be funded for immediate use or unfunded for use in the future. Most often, the Trust I is established as an unfunded trust that will be funded at a later date through a will, retirement account, life insurance plan or estate plan. This Trust was developed in 1988 by a group of experienced lawyers, many of whom have a loved one with a disability.
Trust II – Pooled Trust
Funded with assets that are entirely those of the beneficiary
The Life Navigators Trust II – Pooled Trust (Funded Entirely with Beneficiary’s Assets) is funded at the time of enrollment. Most often, the Trust II is established when an individual with a disability has assets that would prevent them from receiving public benefits. It is often funded with an SSI payback, personal injury settlement or benefits accrual. This Trust was approved in 2011 and developed by a group of experienced lawyers and financial planners, many of whom have a loved one with a disability.
Trust III – Pooled Trust (for Age 65 and Over)
Funded with assets that are entirely those of the beneficiary
Designed specifically for individuals age 65 and over, a Trust III – Pooled Trust is funded with assets that are entirely those of the Beneficiary. Most often a Trust III – Pooled Trust is established when an individual age 65 or over has a disability determination and has assets that would prevent or disqualify them from receiving public benefits. A Trust III – Pooled Trust is often funded with personal assets or benefits accrual.
Through the Life Navigators Trusts, Beneficiaries each have a separate account, however, the accounts are pooled for investment and management purposes.