The Social Security Administration published new POMS, the staff operating manual, on Special Needs Trusts.  As Chair fo the Special Needs Trust Committee of the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section, I have set a meeting to review the new POMS in detail for March 19th, in Tampa.

Here’s a "CLEAN COPY" of the new 2009 POMS on Trusts.

I also prepared a word-by-word analysis of the 2009 changes from the original 2001 POMS.  Deletions are indicated by striking through the word, and additions by underlining.  See "THE CHANGES HERE."  See also the  5 PAGE MEMORANDUM that highlights the changes.

Generally, the POMS are claimant friendly, although attorneys who do not follow them closely, can cause some significant problems for their clients.  The new POMS specifically approve of child support Special Needs Trusts and Alimony Special Needs Trusts, which will go a long way in ehlping to resolve family law disputes where continued health insurance is an issue.