What is an Allowable Expense?
The trusts are set up to cover only the expenses of goods and services that are supplemental to the beneficiary’s basic needs. Food and shelter expenses cannot be covered by the trust without counting as income (for SSI and Medicaid benefit purposes). No cash can be given to the beneficiary for any purpose. Disbursements must be for the sole benefit of the beneficiary.
Examples of what may be an allowable expense (not an all-inclusive list):
- Medication & Medical Equipment (Essential & Non-essential) not covered by Medicaid
- Medical, nursing and dental care, tests not covered by another source
- Independent evaluations
- Insurance Premiums (Health, Dental and Car)
- Clothing
- Personal Assistance
- Private Counseling/Case Management
- Guardianship and Advocacy Services
- Any expenses related to owning and operating one car
- Computer hardware and software
- Private Lessons and materials
- Testing for any purpose (vocational, medical, psychological, etc…)
- Job coaching
- School or camp tuition
- Entertainment/recreation tickets
- Travel expenses like transportation or hotel (but not for food)
- Travel expenses for a companion if necessary for personal care or supervision
- Equipment (electronic, entertainment, adaptive, special interest)
- Home appliances
- Furniture and household items
- Gardening and lawn care
- Telephone (local, cell and long distance)
- Internet access and cable TV
- Curtains, towels, linens, decorative items and interior decorating
- Home renovations to improve accessibility (not additions for square footage)
- Gifts for the beneficiary at holidays
- Veterinary Services, pet care, supplies
- Legal fees
