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Trustee tool

SNT Distribution Checker

Log a planned expense, pick the source (SNT, ABLE, or beneficiary cash) and see whether the choice is correct under current SSI rules. Build a downloadable monthly distribution log as you go.

Educational tool only. Not legal advice. Confirm the federal benefit rate, presumed maximum value, and ABLE caps each January. Read the full cheatsheet.

Check a distribution

Pick the expense and source. The verdict updates instantly.

Monthly housing payment for the beneficiary.

Pay from
OKOK — no SSI impact

ABLE shelter spending is not in-kind support, so it avoids the SSI reduction entirely.

Distribution log

Saved in your browser. Export anytime.

No entries yet. Add a planned expense from the form to start your log.

The three rules behind every verdict

Rule 1

Cash is poison

Any cash, gift card, or transfer to the beneficiary is unearned income and reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar that month. Always pay the vendor directly.

Rule 2

Shelter from the SNT triggers PMV

Rent, mortgage, the nine SSA-listed utilities, property tax, and homeowners insurance paid by the trust reduce SSI by up to ~$322/mo (2026). Routing through ABLE avoids it.

Rule 3

Food is no longer ISM

The SSA September 2024 rule change removed food from the in-kind support definition. Groceries, restaurants, and meal delivery have no SSI impact from either tool.