The trust is derived from funds that constitute an asset of a person with a disability. These funds may come from various sources including, but not limited to, insurance or personal injury settlements, proceeds from the sale of a house or an inheritance. These funds can be transferred into CFPD and become exempt from being considered an asset for the purpose of eligibility determination for public benefits. Funds in the trust are allocated for the benefit of the beneficiary by the CFPD Board of Directors. The CFPD is a “pooled trust.” This means that for investment purposes all beneficiary funds are pooled together. However, each person in the trust has a sub-account and interest earned from the investments is allocated to that account monthly based on the amount of funds held for that individual’s benefit.

How are these funds utilized?
Funds are utilized to provide for the supplemental needs of the person with a disability. Supplemental needs are products, goods or services not provided through any public benefit the beneficiary may be receiving. Examples are:

This is only a partial list of the most common supplemental needs a trust beneficiary may request. Food, clothing and shelter, except for the purchase of a home, are not supplemental needs.
Supplemental needs are “non-necessities”.

What you should know about joining the trust.
The trust is irrevocable, in other words, once a person joins CFPD, he or she cannot later withdraw these funds. It is important to evaluate all options before joining.

How are a beneficiary’s trust funds invested?
Currently, the CFPD Board of Directors contracts with the Bank of Cherry Creek Trust Department to invest the trust funds.

How does a beneficiary access their trust funds?
A care manager will be assigned to each beneficiary who serves as the liaison between the individual beneficiary and CFPD. The care manager will develop a care plan which is presented to CFPD for approval. The beneficiary and/or their representative will have input into the plan before submission to CFPD for approval.

Care managers do not disburse cash to beneficiaries.
Items are purchased and services procured directly by the care manager for the beneficiary’s benefit. Payment is made directly to the supplier or vendor. A beneficiary who personally purchases goods or services will not be reimbursed. All requests for supplemental needs must be pre-approved. With some limited exceptions, CFPD cannot spend trust funds on items or services that solely benefit someone other than the beneficiary.

How to apply to CFPD.
Contact the Executive Director of the fund to discuss any questions you may have and find out more about how the fund works. At this time it can also be determined if this is the best option for the individual.

If you decide to join CFPD, you must submit the following information:

You must complete and sign an application and a transfer agreement. Keep copies for yourself and send the originals to the Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities at the address below: