charitable SUPPORT OUR CHARITABLE PROGRAM

For over 30 years the Midwest Special Needs Trust Charitable Trust program has been helping people across our state who are disabled and living below the federal poverty level.

Third Party Inactive Trusts Third Party Inactive Trusts

As you create your plan for distributing your assets and property to your beneficiaries, MSNT can assist you with special needs planning with a Third-Party Trust. A Third-Party Trust can be created as an active or inactive trust.

faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Read answers prepared by our Special Needs Trust Specialists to common questions about the purpose of, establishing, and using a Special Needs Trust.

tax-icon

TOP TEN TRUST TAX TIPS

Tax season is upon us! Whether you have been a trust beneficiary for years or are brand new to MSNT, here are some important facts about special needs trusts and taxes.

"Midwest Special Needs Trust administers trusts that protect public benefits for people with disabilities. The organization is governed by a professional, values-driven Board of Trustees that includes family members of people with disabilities and individuals with business expertise. The Board's commitment includes providing affordable trust services to individuals and families of modest means."
A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation recognized as a pooled trust as defined in 42 USC 1396p(d)(4)(C)

MSNT Staff

The staff at Midwest Special Needs Trust strives each day to serve our beneficiaries with care and compassion. Our backgrounds may be varied but our purpose is a common one. Would you like to know more about our staff? Read here!

About MSNT

Missouri Family Trust was established as a result of advocacy by parents and professionals who realized that many obstacles hinder planning for the financial future of individuals with disabilities. The organization was created by statute (RSMo 402.199 – 402.208) in 1989 for the primary purpose of administering special needs trusts for persons with disabilities to protect important public benefits such as Medicaid and SSI.  As authorized and specified by statute, the Missouri Family Trust was incorporated as a non-profit and received IRS 501(c)(3) charitable designation.

News


News

Missouri Coalition for Oral Health – 2023 Conference

MSNT was proud to be a part of the 2023 Missouri Oral Health Policy Conference. Bianca Farr and Jen Homer shared information with conference attendees about the ways MSNT’s Charitable Grant Program plays a part in Transforming Access – the focus of this year’s conference. (Pictured, L to R: Dr. Dwight McLeod, Dean ATSU MOSDOH; […]

Celebrating a Distinguished Career

It is with sincere gratitude that Midwest Special Needs Trust announces the retirement of its Executive Director Kathy Birkes.  Kathy will be retiring effective February 4, 2023.  We are indebted to her as her vision, firm commitment, and passionate drive have propelled the organization to new heights.  Her leadership and loyal service will never be […]

Disciples Development Conference 2023

Executive Director Kathy Birkes joined the Christian Church Foundation at their Disciples Development Conference in San Antonio 1/10-13/23. Kathy presented on Special Needs Trusts, ABLE accounts and the Charitable Trust. She also participated in several development, fund raising and planned giving sessions. 

Winter Elder Law Symposium

Casie Stephens, Director of Trust Services and Keith Brunstrom, Attorney at the Winter Elder Law Symposium in St. Charles, Missouri.

111th Mizzou Homecoming Parade

MSNT staff on parade!  MSNT showed tremendous hometown spirit at the 111th Mizzou Homecoming Parade. With more than one hundred floats and groups in the lineup we were thrilled to be part of the celebration. 

2022 Stetson National Conference

Casie Stephens, Director of Trust Services and Shelley Morse, Trust Specialist II, attended three days of programming with nationally recognized speakers at the 2022 Stetson National Conference on Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Trusts.   

Real Voices Real Choices 2022

MSNT was pleased to be an exhibitor at the Real Voices Real Choices Consumer Conference held at Margaritaville at the Lake of the Ozarks on August 28 – August 30, 2022.  The event was coordinated by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Mental Health Foundation.

Young lady next to MSNT exhibit booth

Special Olympics of Missouri Health Fair 2022

MSNT exhibits at the SOMO Health Fair held at the new Missouri Special Olympics Training for Life Campus in Jefferson City, MO on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Power Up Assistive Technology Conference 2022

David Baker, Director of Missouri Assistive Technology and MSNT’s Gabe Wilkerson at the 2022 Power Up Assistive Technology Conference in Blue Springs, MO. The Power Up conference brought together a diverse group of educators, care providers, and health care professionals committed to increasing access to assistive technology for Missourians with all types of disabilities, of […]

Two professionals at an exhibit booth.

Missouri Coalition for Oral Health

MSNT Charitable Trust Specialist Heather Cooper and Associate Director Bianca Farr at the 2022 Missouri Coalition for Oral Health Policy Conference sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health.  The conference featured national speakers as well as local leaders who have devoted their careers to improving access to oral health in underserved populations.