To join, call 718-701-7777. A person picks up, and it costs nothing. We explain how it works and the fees, go through the application with you, arrange the doctor's form by telehealth, and open your account. ECS charges a monthly fee of 10% of your monthly deposit (never less than $35 or more than $300), a $150 annual fee, and a one-time enrollment fee that is usually $300.
The four steps
- Call us. 718-701-7777. We ask a few questions, explain how it works and the fees, and set up a second conversation. You can bring a family member or the person who handles your Medicaid.
- Gather what you have. It helps to have your Social Security award letter and any pension or annuity statements, your Medicaid number and any Medicaid letter, the name of anyone already helping with your Medicaid application, and bank details for the monthly deposit. You do not need everything for the first call.
- We go through the application with you by phone, by mail, in person, or with a home visit. Because a pooled income trust in New York is for people who are disabled, there is also a doctor's form. We arrange a telehealth visit for that, so you do not need to find an appointment. Then you sign.
- We open your account and set up the monthly deposit. We prepare the letter that Medicaid asks for to show the deposits were made.
We work out your number on the first call. A person picks up.
How long it takes depends on Medicaid and on how soon the papers come back. We tell you where things stand and what is still missing at each step. We do not promise a date for a decision that Medicaid makes.
What it costs
These are our standard fees as of October 2026. Every client signs a fee schedule when they join, and that schedule is the final word.
| Fee | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | 10% of your monthly deposit, never less than $35 and never more than $300 | Taken from each deposit, and only once the deposit has gone through |
| Annual fee | $150 a year | In the month of your first deposit, starting the year after it |
| Enrollment fee | Usually $300, once. Sometimes lower or waived, for example when you switch from another pooled trust | Built up from your first deposits and taken in one piece, or paid separately if you prefer |
Examples with made-up numbers: a $400 monthly deposit has a $40 monthly fee. A $200 deposit has the $35 minimum. A $4,000 deposit has the $300 maximum. If a deposit does not go through, no monthly fee is taken for it.
Our fees come out of the deposit first, before any bill is paid or any card is loaded.
Already have a Medicaid consultant or home care agency?
Many of our members do. We work alongside them. They keep running the Medicaid application, and we run the trust and keep them updated.
Common questions
How much does a pooled income trust cost with ECS?
The standard fees are a monthly fee of 10% of your monthly deposit (at least $35 and at most $300), a $150 annual fee, and a one-time enrollment fee that is usually $300. The fee schedule you sign when you join is the final word.
What do I need to have ready?
Your Social Security award letter and any pension statements, your Medicaid number and letters if you have them, the name of anyone helping with your Medicaid application, and bank details for the monthly deposit.
How long does it take to join?
It depends on how soon the papers come back and on Medicaid. We tell you where things stand at each step and do not promise a date for a decision Medicaid makes.
What is the monthly fee?
10% of your monthly deposit, never less than $35 and never more than $300. It is taken from the deposit only once the deposit has gone through.
Does money I do not spend roll over?
Money left in your account at the end of a month stays in your account and is available to pay later bills. Your statement shows the balance.
Can I take cash out, or have money sent to my bank account?
No. The trust pays the companies you owe and loads your Visa card for purchases; it cannot send money to you or to your checking account, and the card cannot be used to take out cash.
What happens to the money if I pass away?
Money left in the account stays with the trust or goes to the state for Medicaid costs. It cannot be paid back to the family, the estate or a bank account. That is why the account is meant to be used for your bills each month, not saved up.
I am on SSI and expecting a settlement. Is a pooled income trust right?
A pooled income trust is for monthly income that is over the Medicaid limit. A settlement or other lump sum is a different situation with different rules. Call us and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.
Can you email me the information?
Yes. Call 718-701-7777 or email info@ecstrust.org, tell us what you would like to know, and we will send it.
Do I need a doctor for the form?
There is a doctor's form because the trust is for people who are disabled. We arrange a telehealth visit to complete it, so you do not need to find an appointment.
All the questions people ask us, answered.