The Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (DDETF) is a state-administered, privately managed and supplemental special needs trust program. It allows individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to set aside funds for future use without affecting eligibility for government services and benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
Funds can be withdrawn from the trust and used for many services not covered by other benefits, including recreation, therapy, clothing and transportation
DDETF was established by the Washington State Legislature in 1999 after years of advocacy by individuals with disabilities and their families. It opened for enrollment in July 2002.
I chose the DD Endowment Trust Fund versus a private attorney special needs trust because it is a government backed program that should outlive us, the ease of application, the low cost to get started and the personable, knowledgeable staff at The Arc Washington State running the program.
Benefits of a trust with DDETF
There are so many benefits to opening a trust with DDETF, including:
- Significantly lower costs, including state-matching incentives on fees.
- Protecting the eligibility of beneficiaries with public benefits, regardless of their trust value.
- Enhancing the quality of life for beneficiaries by paying for activities, purchases, and enriching experiences not covered by government services.
- Providing a safety net to pay for services and supports in the future, in the event government funding for those services and supports are reduced (due to budget cuts and policy changes).
- Providing access to a conservatively invested pooled fund managed by the Washington State Investment Board.
Washington State Department of Commerce administers the DDETF. The Arc of Washington State manages the day-to-day operations of the program. A Governor-appointed board oversee the trust. The board includes family members of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Trust holders can be assured that we understand the needs of people with developmental disabilities.
As the result of this public-private partnership, DDETF takes the challenge out of establishing a special needs trust. It puts affordability back into the equation for investing in the future.
Eligibility
Individuals are eligible to open a trust account with this program if they meet three conditions at the time of enrollment:
- Reside in the State of Washington
- Meet the state definition of developmental disability, as determined by a representative of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration
- Be under the age of 65 at the time of enrollment