Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: REGINALD E. McELHANNON, INTERIM DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: PERSONAL FUNERAL TRUST ACCOUNTS AS A RESOURCE FOR THE MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD) PROGRAM
MANUAL REVISION #112
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce Personal Funeral Trust (PFT) accounts as a resource for the MHABD program.
Missouri Law allows individuals to set up a PFT to pay for their future burial expenses. These funds do not have to be connected to a specific funeral service provider, but are restricted to be used for burial or funeral expenses.
Funds up to $9999.99 in an irrevocable PFT account are not a countable resource. Standard trust rules will apply for the amount of the trust above $9999.99.
Note: All trusts, including Personal Funeral Trusts, must be sent to the Program and Policy unit for an interpretation of policy.
Personal Funeral Trust accounts are entered into the eligibility system using the resource codes for Pre-need Burial Contracts so that the CSV exemption can be applied. Please use the following codes on the SELFRES screen:
- Class Code – Prepaid Burial (LP) and Type Code- Prepaid Burial (PB).
- Detailed comments, including the clearance number, are essential to support the case decision.
The PFT account balance must be attested to or verified each year as part of the annual review process. Please refer to MHABD manual section 1030.000.00 Available Resources (OAA and PTD) for information regarding when participant’s attestation is acceptable during the annual review process.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
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