Special Disability Trust — Establishment Form (MOD SDT)

Issuing authority

Services Australia

Official source

How to apply

1. Contact the Services Australia Special Disability Trust Assessment Team (call 132 717) before establishing the trust to confirm the intended beneficiary meets the severe disability eligibility criteria.
2. Engage a solicitor to draft a trust deed that complies with the model trust deed provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — the deed must contain all prescribed clauses and nominate an independent trustee (or multiple trustees).
3. The Settlor executes the trust deed and contributes the initial settlement sum to formally establish the trust.
4. Download the MOD SDT form from servicesaustralia.gov.au/mod-sdt, complete it (fillable PDF or by hand), and attach a certified copy of the executed trust deed.
5. Lodge the completed MOD SDT form and supporting documents with Services Australia by mail or in person at a Services Australia service centre.
6. Services Australia assesses the trust and beneficiary eligibility; approved trusts receive concessional means-test treatment — up to $762,500 (2025–26 indexed cap) in trust assets are exempt from the assets test.
7. Ensure the trust is audited annually and submit the annual financial statements to Services Australia by 31 March each year.
8. Notify Services Australia of any changes to the trust (new contributions, changes to trustee, etc.) as they occur to maintain the concessional means-test status.

Related topics

Related forms

• JobSeeker Payment Claim
• Age Pension ClaimSA002
• Disability Support Pension ClaimSA466
• Carer Payment ClaimSA408
• Family Tax Benefit ClaimFA100