The Arc of Indiana Master Trust

The nation's premier special needs Trust, serving Hoosiers of all disabilities since 1988.

Regardless of your age, or your child's age or disability, planning for the future is important. The Arc Master Trust is our response to a need felt by many families who wonder what will happen to their loved one after they are gone.

A Financial Planning Option
The Arc Master Trust includes two trust programs:

• Trust I
  Established in 1988, Trust I helps families provide for the financial future of their loved one without affecting eligibility for government benefits such as SSI, Medicaid, Medicaid waivers and residential programs.
  
• Trust II
  Established in 1995, Trust II allows people with disabilities to fund their own trust – often with funds received through an inheritance, back payment from social security, or a personal injury settlement – allowing them to maintain eligibility for government benefits.

Open to People of All Disabilities
The Arc Master Trust serves Hoosiers of all disabilities, including people with physical, mental, emotional, and intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Pays for Items Not Covered by Government Benefits
Government programs are limited to basics like food, shelter and medical care. Funds invested in The Arc Master Trust pays for items not covered by government benefits.

The Arc's Expertise
Government benefits operate under regulations that must be understood and followed, or eligibility for benefits can be lost. The Arc has this expertise. Families do not need to worry about learning and staying current with regulations. These responsibilities are assumed by The Arc.

Professional, Affordable Management
If you want to start a trust through your local bank, you may find the annual fees far higher than you can afford. For many families and individuals, The Arc Master Trust is an affordable option. Trust funds are safely and securely on deposit with The National Bank of Indianapolis.

Reliable, Knowledgeable Staff and Advisors
Melissa Justice was appointed as Trust Director in 2008, and has been with The Arc since 1995.

Tom Ewbank, attorney with Krieg DeVault, provides legal counsel to The Arc Master Trust. Tom is an expert and leader in the field of Trusts, and was instrumental in working with Alan Kemp, The Arc's first Trust Director, to help found the Trust.

A Trust Advisory Committee and Family Advisory Committee, as well as The Arc of Indiana Board of Directors, provides advice and oversight of The Arc Master Trust.

Trust Advisory Committee
Tom Ewbank, Krieg DeVault, Chairman
Dennis Frick, Indiana Legal Services
Tom Allington, Indiana University School of Law

Family Advisory Committee
Sharon Hauss, Bloomington
Felice Vargo, Indianapolis
Sara Walker, Indianapolis
Nanette Whightsel, Indianapolis
Malissa Crowe, West Lafayette
Kevin McDowell, Indianapolis

Proven, Trusted Experience
The Arc Master Trust has now been in operation for over 20 years. Some of the most respected trust and estate planning attorneys in Indiana assisted with the legal research and creation of the Master Trust program. Today, The Arc Master Trust continues to serve as a model for special needs trusts throughout the country.