Our Services Introduction

What is a pooled special needs trust?

The Golden State Pooled Trust is a pooled special needs trust. Special needs trusts, more broadly, are established to support individuals with disabilities by providing for supplemental needs that enhance quality of life. Special needs trusts should reflect the unique objectives, values, and needs of the beneficiary, and should focus on enabling the beneficiary to achieve as much independence as possible.

In addition to enhancing quality of life, special needs trusts are an important vehicle by which individuals with disabilities can stay eligible for needs-based government benefits such as SSI or Medicaid, while still being able to address ongoing supplemental needs. With a special needs trust, funds are set aside in such a manner that the beneficiary does not own them — the trust holds title to the property for the benefit of the individual. The trustee then has full discretion to make distributions that are aligned with the individual’s needs and values. Because the beneficiary cannot directly access the funds or convert them to cash, they are not considered a “resource” for the purposes of calculating government benefits eligibility.

A pooled special needs trust is a particular type of special needs trust whereby beneficiaries’ assets are pooled together for investment purposes. The Social Security Administration indicates that pooled special needs trusts must meet the following requirements:

The trust is established and managed by a nonprofit association.
A separate account is maintained for each beneficiary of the trust, but, for purposes of investment and management of funds, the trust pools these accounts.
Accounts in the trust are established solely for the benefit of the disabled individual by the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of such an individual, by such an individual, or by a court.
To the extent that amounts remaining in the beneficiary's account upon the death of the beneficiary are not retained by the trust, the trust pays to the State from the remaining amounts in the account an amount equal to the total amount of Medicaid assistance paid on behalf of the beneficiary under the State plan under this subchapter.

While a pooled special needs trust is a great option for many, it is important to seek out good counseling before committing funds to one. The Golden State Pooled Trust is happy to consult with individuals, families, attorneys, and other service providers to discuss options and assess needs.

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Local Expertise

The Ho‘ola Lahaina Foundation Pooled Trust is supported by a local Hawai‘i-based team with deep experience in trust administration.Local administration offers meaningful advantages. A Hawai‘i-based trustee understands state-specific trust law, court procedures, and public benefit systems, allowing for smoother administration and minimizing delays. Familiarity with local service providers, agencies, and community resources helps to ensure that trust funds are used effectively and in ways that reflect the realities of island life.Having a local Hawai’i team also promotes transparency, accountability, and helps to build stronger relationships with beneficiaries and their families, resulting in clearer communication, faster issue resolution, and culturally responsive support.

Pooled Trust Administration

A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee manages funds for the benefit of an individual. A pooled trust combines the accounts of multiple beneficiaries under a single master trust agreement, while maintaining a separate sub-account for each beneficiary.Instead of creating their own individual trust, people affected by the Lahaina wildfires may join the pooled trust by signing a joinder agreement. This structure significantly reduces legal, administrative, and tax costs by allowing shared administration, investments, and reporting.Pooled trust beneficiaries gain access to professional trust management, investment management options, efficient operations, and lower fees, while retaining individualized accounting and support.

Investment Advisory Services

Trust assets are invested by True Link Financial Advisors, LLC, a nationally recognized investment advisor specializing in pooled trusts and fiduciary accounts.True Link was founded on a mission to help protect the financial well-being and independence of vulnerable individuals. Their team brings decades of experience serving pooled trusts and fiduciary vehicles and manages approximately $1.67 billion in assets on behalf of 30,000 beneficiaries nationwide.*Assets under management as of 12/31/2025.

Our Services

What is a pooled special needs trust?

Local Expertise

Pooled Trust Administration

Investment Advisory Services

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