Special Disability Trusts - Lunchtime Conversation #009
Lunchtime Conversation #009, held on 24 September 2024, aimed to help people think about financial trusts that can be used to meet the needs of a person with disability, with a focus on housing.
The forum had a particular focus on Specialist Disability Trusts. These are a legal structure designed to support individuals with severe disabilities - a ‘principal beneficiary’ who meets Centrelink’s eligibility criteria. The primary purpose of these trusts is to provide for the needs of the beneficiary without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like the Disability Support Pension.
You can find more information about Special Disability Trusts at 'Australian Government's Special Disability Trusts'. The following booklets can also help you:
'Special Disability Trusts: Getting Things Sorted' (2014). This booklet has been developed, together with a model trust deed, to help families who have decided to set up a Special Disability Trust. (Please note that the cited financial thresholds were current at the time of publication. Please check with Centrelink's Financial Information Service team for current thresholds.)
'Planning for the Future: People with Disability' (2014). This booklet, aims to assist families to plan future arrangements for the ongoing care of their family member with disability that is positive, sustainable, flexible and fulfils the wishes of both the person with disability and their family where possible.
Video: LC#009 – Stephen Booth: Special Disability Trusts
Presenter Stephen Booth - consultant at Coleman Greig Lawyers - provided the following in this forum:
1. An overview of the different types of trusts that can be established for a beneficiary, and the pros and cons of each type:
- Discretionary Trust
- Protective Trust
- Testamentary Trust
- Special Disability Trust.
2. A detailed overview of Special Disability Trusts.
3. Overview of process to establish a Special Disability Trust.
Duration: 1 hr 16 min
** Please note that the information provided in this video is general information and should not be considered legal advice. For specific advice on setting up a Special Disability Trust or other types of trusts, please consult a qualified professional.
(Video – © RI Australia Network t/as Rights & Inclusion Australia 2025)
Other Information
Also, check the Let's talk Opening Doors home page and other pages on other housing areas.
Accessibility
If you have any issues with accessibility for any items, please contact Rights & Inclusion Australia at projectofficer@riaustralia.org
Special Disability Trusts - Lunchtime Conversation #009
Lunchtime Conversation #009, held on 24 September 2024, aimed to help people think about financial trusts that can be used to meet the needs of a person with disability, with a focus on housing.
The forum had a particular focus on Specialist Disability Trusts. These are a legal structure designed to support individuals with severe disabilities - a ‘principal beneficiary’ who meets Centrelink’s eligibility criteria. The primary purpose of these trusts is to provide for the needs of the beneficiary without affecting their eligibility for government benefits like the Disability Support Pension.
You can find more information about Special Disability Trusts at 'Australian Government's Special Disability Trusts'. The following booklets can also help you:
'Special Disability Trusts: Getting Things Sorted' (2014). This booklet has been developed, together with a model trust deed, to help families who have decided to set up a Special Disability Trust. (Please note that the cited financial thresholds were current at the time of publication. Please check with Centrelink's Financial Information Service team for current thresholds.)
'Planning for the Future: People with Disability' (2014). This booklet, aims to assist families to plan future arrangements for the ongoing care of their family member with disability that is positive, sustainable, flexible and fulfils the wishes of both the person with disability and their family where possible.
Video: LC#009 – Stephen Booth: Special Disability Trusts
Presenter Stephen Booth - consultant at Coleman Greig Lawyers - provided the following in this forum:
1. An overview of the different types of trusts that can be established for a beneficiary, and the pros and cons of each type:
- Discretionary Trust
- Protective Trust
- Testamentary Trust
- Special Disability Trust.
2. A detailed overview of Special Disability Trusts.
3. Overview of process to establish a Special Disability Trust.
Duration: 1 hr 16 min
** Please note that the information provided in this video is general information and should not be considered legal advice. For specific advice on setting up a Special Disability Trust or other types of trusts, please consult a qualified professional.
(Video – © RI Australia Network t/as Rights & Inclusion Australia 2025)
Other Information
Also, check the Let's talk Opening Doors home page and other pages on other housing areas.
Accessibility
If you have any issues with accessibility for any items, please contact Rights & Inclusion Australia at projectofficer@riaustralia.org