An NC able account is a type of savings account that allows you to save for disability expenses, with tax-free growth and withdrawals.
You can contribute up to $14,000 per year to an NC able account, and the funds can be used to cover a wide range of expenses related to a disability.
The account is designed to help individuals with disabilities save for the future, and the funds can be used to cover expenses such as home modifications, vehicle modifications, and assistive technology.
Withdrawals from an NC able account are tax-free, as long as they are used to cover qualified disability expenses.
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What Is an Account?
An ABLE account is a type of savings and investment account that works like a 529 college savings plan, with contributions growing tax-free and withdrawals only for qualified expenses.
These accounts are not meant to replace any services you're already receiving, but rather provide flexibility, autonomy, and more financial education and awareness.
Contributions to an ABLE account grow tax-free, and withdrawals must be for qualified expenses.
Over 40 states and the District of Columbia offer ABLE accounts, with some programs open to folks nationwide.
States run the programs and work with financial institutions that manage the banking or investment services.
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Opening an Account
To open an ABLE account, start by visiting the ABLE National Resource Center's website to see if your state has an active program and what it offers.
Most states have an active program, and some even offer tax credits for funding 529A accounts, also known as ABLE accounts, if you're a resident in that state.
You can switch plans if you're not satisfied with the fees or services offered by your state's ABLE account, and you can even choose an ABLE account that's not in your state if it better meets your needs.
It's worth noting that you can only have one ABLE account at a time, but the money in the account can be used for disability expenses over the lifetime of the beneficiary.
To open an ABLE account, you'll need to meet the Social Security Administration's definition and criteria regarding significant functional limitations, and you'll need a letter of certification from a licensed physician.
The onset of the disability must have begun prior to age 26, unless you're eligible under the new rules that will take effect in January 2026, which will raise the eligibility age to 46.
For more insights, see: Able Accounts by State
Account Benefits
With an NC ABLE account, you can save up to $15,000 in contributions per year, and in some cases, the account holder can contribute more with their own wages.
The first $100,000 in an ABLE account doesn't count towards asset limits for public aid programs like Social Security Income, giving you much-needed peace of mind.
Having more than $2,000 in your name can contribute to a life of poverty or scarcity, but an NC ABLE account helps you avoid that.
The owner and beneficiary of an NC ABLE account is the person with a disability, not their parent or guardian, providing them with financial independence.
Contributions to an NC ABLE account can be made by friends and family, making it easier to plan for the future.
The money in an NC ABLE account can be used for a wide range of things, such as education, housing, transportation, and health and wellness expenses.
With an NC ABLE account, you can access funds to maintain or improve your health, independence, or quality of life, giving you more control over your finances.
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How Accounts Work
To open an NC ABLE account, you must be eligible, which typically means you're already receiving SSI and/or SSDI benefits.
The onset of your disability must have begun prior to age 26, but starting in January 2026, the eligibility age will rise to 46.
You can only have one ABLE account at a time, but the money in the account can be used for disability expenses over your lifetime.
Contributions to an ABLE account are limited to the IRS annual gift tax exclusion amount, which changes each year.
Contributions aren't tax-deductible at the federal level, although some states may offer an income tax deduction for contributions made to an ABLE account.
The first $100,000 saved in an ABLE account is exempt from the $2,000 SSI individual resource limit, allowing you to still receive Medicaid if your account exceeds $100,000.
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Plan Disclosure Booklet
The Plan Disclosure Booklet is a crucial part of your agreement with the NC ABLE Program.
It provides a detailed description of the program's terms and conditions, covering important topics such as eligibility requirements and Authorized Individuals.
This booklet is a must-read, as it outlines the necessary documentation and other essential information you need to know about the program.
By reviewing the Plan Disclosure Booklet carefully, you'll gain a thorough understanding of what to expect from your NC ABLE account.
Authorized Individual
An Authorized Individual can be designated to open and manage an account on the Account Owner's behalf.
An Account Owner with legal capacity can designate any person or entity to act as an Authorized Individual through a power of attorney.
If the Account Owner does not have legal capacity, the permitted Authorized Individual is the Account Owner's Agent under a power of attorney.
More than one Authorized Individual can be appointed to an account.
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Sources
- https://ncable.nc.gov/getting-started-nc-able/opening-nc-able-account
- https://www.finra.org/investors/investing/investment-accounts/able-accounts
- https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/child-and-family-well-being/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps
- https://www.ablenrc.org/compare-states/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/able-accounts
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