Master Trust Accounts

What is a Master Trust account and what type of money goes in it?

If you are in foster care and get or may qualify to get benefits from the federal government, DCF will manage this money in an account called a “master trust.” When you come into care, DCF must check to see if you are already getting benefits or if you may qualify for them. If you are already getting benefits, DCF will apply to be the “representative payee” which means they manage your money. If you do not get benefits but may qualify, DCF should apply for benefits. Some examples of ways you may qualify for benefits are: you have a parent who has died (Survivor benefits) or you have a disability (Supplemental Security Income). 

There are many different types of benefits you could be receiving through your master trust. If you want to know the type of benefit you are receiving, you should ask your case manager for the records of your account.

Who will keep up with my Master Trust account?

DCF and your CBC or “lead agency” will hold and manage your Master Trust account. They will keep you informed of the status of your account and options for using the money.  

DCF or your “lead agency” must inform your parents (if parental rights are not terminated), your guardian ad litem, and attorney if you have one if an item will be purchased that costs 500 dollars or more and they must get approval from the Department. If multiple purchases from the account will be at least 1,000 dollars, approval from the Department is also needed. The “lead agency” must also make sure that your money activity for the last three months is included at every judicial review.

Can DCF use my money?

Money held in the Master Trust belongs to you, BUT the DCF has the right to take some money out for two purposes: (1) the State can take money out to pay itself “administrative fees” such as for bank charges and (2) the State may also take some of the money to pay for the “cost of care” — the amount of money actually paid for residential services (payments to the foster home or group home for your room and board).

Who has access to my Master Trust account?

The “lead agency” and members of DCF can see what is in your account. Your attorney and guardian ad litem if you have one can also see what is in your account if they request to. And most importantly, you must be able to see what is in your account. 

How long do I have the Master Trust account?

The account is closed when you age out of foster care, are adopted, or go live with a family member. That does not mean you lose the benefits, it just means that your caregiver (or you, if you are 18) must apply to get the benefits.

Can I use the money in my account for things I want or need?

You have the right to ask to use the money in your account for things you want or need. One way you can do this is to ask for a fee waiver (meaning you can ask to take money out of the account) and you must be given notice of this at every judicial review hearing.

What is a personal allowance? 

A personal allowance is the amount of money in your Master Trust account that must be set aside and not taken out each month. This has to be at least 30 dollars per month. If you are getting more than one federal benefit, the allowance must be taken out from each benefit. Ask for an accounting of your master trust account to see what type of benefits you are getting.

What if I want to increase the amount of personal allowance I get each month? 

If you want more allowance, check out the Master Trust Request form on the side of this page to write a formal request to your case manager for this. An adult on your case will need to fill out this form to request a change in allowance.

How is a personal allowance different from a regular foster care allowance?

The personal allowance is only money that comes from your master trust account, and it is kept in the account and not given to you every month like your monthly foster care allowance. Every child in foster care gets a monthly foster care allowance, but only those with a master trust account get a personal allowance in addition to the foster care allowance.

I have a subaccount called “current needs.” What are those? 

Your current needs include: the cost of living at the foster home or in the foster family’s home, medical and dental costs, personal comfort items (clothing, tablet, electronics, books, art supplies, sports, equipment, special activity fees), transportation (to school, work, or other activities), and other approved costs. 

I have another subaccount called “long term needs.” What are long-term needs?

Your long-term needs include: education or job training (including books, testing, therapy, tutoring, fees, supplies, equipment, tools, uniforms, safety equipment, attendant care, child care, prepaid college tuition plan), youth and young adult transition services (including financial assistance for expenses related to education, employment, and other training), financial planning for sufficient resources  and other approved costs.

How much money can I have in my account? 

The overall amount of money in the accounts cannot be more than $2,000 if you get an income-based benefit such as SSI. If you aren’t sure which type of benefit you get, ask your DCF for a copy of your records. 

What is a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)? 

Youth that get SSI benefits are able to submit a PASS plan to Social Security Administration. This type of plan lets the Department put money aside for educational or vocational needs that can go over the 2,000 dollar limit SSI normally has. If you are interested in learning more about this plan make sure to ask an adult on your case how to apply. 

How do I get my money if I leave in foster care?

When you turn 18 your money and property must be sent to you. If you leave the custody of DCF before 18 (to live with a relative, if you are adopted, or if you are reunified), DCF must notify the court and make plans for the money and property to be transferred to your guardian.

How do I get money if I age out of foster care?

Within 90 days after you turn 17, DCF must send you a social study report, which is supposed to have information on all of the money you have, and DCF must show you how to get these funds. If you want to get the money already in your account, the court must issue a written order that DCF must release the money in the account to you on your 18^th birthday. If there is no court order, DCF will send the money back to the social security office and you will have to apply for the money. This could take several months, so it is important to advocate for a court order if you want to receive the money from DCF that was in the account right when you turn 18.