dancer, I'm seeing this for the first time. My MIL lived with a trust. She often had the same issues you are experiencing. She received monthly checks, but whenever she needed more than that, she had to approach the trustees. I recall her having doctors write letters for her at times so she could break the trust. It was pretty tricky because it all depended on the hearts of the men (in her case) and what they thought was best for her. Fortunately, they managed it well and she was able to live an a nice retirement community at the end of her life. I do recall her being frustrated becasue it was her money, but she couldn't always get to it, which was a good thing. She had a heart of gold when it came to helping others, and loved to shop.