When families hear the word “trust,” they often think of something complicated, expensive, or only meant for the wealthy. But Alabama Family Trust is different by design and by mission.
“We are not the typical trust company,” said Jennifer Griffin, Board President of Alabama Family Trust. “We try to assist people who have special needs and have more money than what is allowed to get government benefits.”
A Simple Solution to a Common Problem
Many individuals who need government assistance—such as Medicaid—find themselves in a difficult position. They may have modest savings, but those funds put them over the strict financial limits required to qualify for benefits.
Alabama Family Trust exists to solve that exact problem.
“This is a place where we can hold that money for them, and they can still receive benefits,” Griffin explained.
Rather than forcing families to spend down everything they’ve worked for, Alabama Family Trust allows assets to be placed into a Medicaid-approved trust—protecting those resources while preserving eligibility.
How It Works: A Real-Life Example
Jennifer Griffin shared a common scenario families face every day:
“If somebody is in a nursing home and they have $50,000, that’s too much money for them to get Medicaid to help pay for nursing home costs.”
Under Medicaid rules, an individual generally must reduce their countable resources to around $2,000 to qualify. Without planning, that often means spending tens of thousands of dollars on care before assistance begins.
But with Alabama Family Trust, there’s another option.
“If they have $50,000, Medicaid allows them to take $48,000 and put it in the Alabama Family Trust,” Griffin said. “Then they meet the financial limit for Medicaid purposes.”
That protected money can later be used for needs Medicaid doesn’t cover—enhancing comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Designed for People with Special Needs
Alabama Family Trust is especially focused on serving individuals with special needs, disabilities, or long-term care requirements. The trust helps ensure they receive the benefits they qualify for, while still having resources available to support their daily lives.
This approach gives families peace of mind, knowing their loved one is cared for today, without sacrificing everything for tomorrow.
Planning that Preserves Dignity
Navigating Medicaid rules can be confusing and overwhelming, especially during times of illness or transition. Alabama Family Trust provides a trusted, compliant way to plan ahead, protect assets, and maintain eligibility for essential benefits.
As Jennifer Griffin’s explanation makes clear, Alabama Family Trust isn’t about avoiding rules—it’s about using the rules properly to help people live with security and dignity.
If you or someone you love is facing long-term care or special needs planning, Alabama Family Trust is here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions — before hard-earned resources are unnecessarily lost.
To get more answers to your questions about Alabama Family Trust, visit our FAQ page.