Empowering lives through trust: the mission and impact of Springhill Pooled Trust

IN THE WORLD of disability services, navigating public benefits while trying to preserve a degree of financial flexibility can feel like walking a tightrope. Too much in assets, and vital programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be jeopardized. Too little, and one might struggle to cover needs that exceed what government programs provide. For people with disabilities and those who care for them, special needs trusts offer a lifeline — and pooled trusts, in particular, can make them accessible and affordable.

At the heart of Michigan’s pooled trust landscape is Springhill Pooled Trust, a pooled special needs trust that blends fiduciary responsibility, compassionate service, and advocacy to support individuals with disabilities.

A VISION ROOTED IN ADVOCACY, INTEGRITY, AND TRUST

Springhill describes itself as a trusted advocate in the special needs community, dedicated to improving quality of life by safeguarding assets while connecting beneficiaries to needed community resources.

The organization’s core values, advocacy, integrity, and trust, guide every aspect of its operation, from enrollment to disbursement to outreach. With this foundation, it offers a practical, hands-on way for people with disabilities to strike a balance: helping to preserve eligibility for means-tested benefits while retaining access to funds for quality-of-life purchases and services.

WHAT IS A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST— AND HOW A POOLED TRUST HELPS

A special needs trust (also called a supplemental needs trust) is a legal structure designed to benefit an individual with disabilities while helping to preserve eligibility for government aid. The trust supplements, but does not replace assistance from public programs like Medicaid and SSI. However, standalone special needs trusts often carry high setup and administrative costs, particularly for smaller asset amounts. A pooled special needs trust offers a more affordable alternative by pooling funds from many beneficiaries for investment purposes. Each participant has a separate sub-account but shares in collective investment and administrative support, resulting in lower minimums, simplified processes, and professional management.

SERVICES, ENROLLMENT, AND OVERSIGHT CORE SERVICES

Springhill provides several key services to beneficiaries, their families, and professionals: The organization administers both first-party and third-party pooled special needs trust accounts in compliance with federal and Michigan regulations. This includes investment oversight, account monitoring, and fiduciary accountability.

• Funds Disbursement: Disbursement of trust funds covers approved goods and services that enhance independence, comfort, or daily living. Requests require documentation and must align with public benefits rules to avoid unintended consequences.

• Education & Support: Educational resources, webinars, and guidance help beneficiaries, families, and professionals navigate the intersection of trust use and public benefits.

• Financial Oversight: Each account maintains transparency and fiduciary integrity while ensuring compliance with both state and federal standards.

• Community Connection & Advocacy: Beyond trust administration, the organization connects beneficiaries with resources, community programs, and partnerships that enhance well-being.

• One of the trust’s defining capabilities is enabling expenditures that enhance quality of life.

• Permitted Uses: Approved expenses may include adaptive equipment, transportation, education, therapeutic services, home modifications, and more.

• Disbursement Rules & Safeguards: Requests are evaluated based on benefit impact, account balance, alignment with the beneficiary’s best interests, and documentation. Large or complex purchases (vehicles, vacations) require extra approval and documentation.

• Processing Timeline: Requests filed by Monday at 4:30 p.m. are typically approved and disbursed within five business days, barring additional review.

• Submission Process: Disbursement requests are submitted in writing with supporting documentation via email, fax, or mail. Funds are paid directly to vendors or service providers — cash or gift card equivalents are not permitted.

WHAT MAKES SPRINGHILL POOLED TRUST UNIQUE?

• Beneficiary-Centered Focus: Decisions are rooted in enhancing each beneficiary’s independence and quality of life.

• Integrated Education & Outreach: Families, caregivers, attorneys, and professionals receive ongoing support through educational programs and consultative resources.

• Transparent, Non-Profit Governance: Managed and administered by Springhill Housing Corporation (Trustee), the trust’s structure emphasizes accountability.

• Low Minimums & Scalable Costs: The trust accepts accounts with modest balances ($1,000 minimum) and maintains manageable administrative fees.

• Strong Community Ties & Giving Initiatives: Through the Springhill Community Fund, the organization supports individuals directly and funds projects that benefit the broader disability community.

• Responsive Service Structure: Each beneficiary has a dedicated Trust Coordinator, ensuring personalized, compassionate service.

WHY IT MATTERS: THE BROADER IMPORTANCE OF POOLED TRUSTS

Pooled trusts like Springhill’s play a vital role in ensuring financial security and independence for individuals with disabilities by offering:

• Accessibility: Lower entry thresholds for professional fiduciary services.

• Cost Efficiency: Shared administrative structures that reduce overhead.

• Risk Mitigation: Professional oversight that helps prevent benefit loss or mismanagement.

• Community Impact: Collective investment in advocacy and inclusion.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR FAMILIES & PROFESSIONALS

• Consult an attorney specializing in special needs or estate planning.

• Confirm with the trust administrator before transferring assets.

• Plan disbursements in advance for smoother approvals.

• Stay informed about changing benefit regulations.

• Maintain clear documentation and receipts.

• Take advantage of educational resources and webinars.

• Revisit long-term plans regularly as circumstances evolve.

LOOKING AHEAD: FUTURE ASPIRATIONS

The organization continues to expand its impact through:

• Providing education surrounding the benefits of pooled special needs trusts.

• Broadening educational outreach and webinars.

• Strengthening partnerships with professionals across sectors.

• Enhancing operational efficiency to serve more individuals effectively.

Springhill’s ongoing vision is to empower individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, independent lives with dignity and stability.

Springhill Pooled Accounts Trust 5505 Corporate Dr., Suite 300 Troy, Michigan 48098

Phone: (248) 269-1319

Executive Director: Kathleen Cecil Email: kcecil@chninc.net Web: springhillpooledtrust.org