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Using an ABLE account can be a game-changer for individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE accounts allow tax-free savings for eligible expenses, which can help reduce the financial burden of living with a disability.
According to the article, an ABLE account can be used to save up to $15,000 per year, which is a significant amount that can add up over time. This can help individuals with disabilities and their families cover essential expenses, such as medical treatment, education, and housing.
ABLE accounts offer a range of benefits, including tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses. This means that the money in an ABLE account can grow over time without being subject to taxes, and withdrawals can be made without penalty for qualified expenses.
By using an ABLE account, individuals with disabilities and their families can take control of their finances and make the most of their resources.
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Understanding Fundamentals
Financial capability education is a critical first step on the road to financial stability. This is especially true when it comes to managing funds in an ABLE account.
The total value of the account must remain below $100,000 for the beneficiary to qualify for government benefits. This is a key consideration when building a 529A ABLE account.
You can put up to $17,000 total into these funds each year, and withdrawals are tax-free as long as the money is used for qualified disability expenses.
Financial Capability
Financial Capability is a crucial foundation for achieving financial stability. It's a critical first step on the road to financial stability.
Having a solid understanding of financial concepts and skills is essential for making informed decisions about money. This education is a critical first step on the road to financial stability.
By learning about financial capability, you'll be better equipped to manage your finances effectively and make smart choices about saving, spending, and investing.
What Is?
An ABLE account is a tax-free savings plan designed for people with disabilities. It allows them to save up to $17,000 per year without jeopardizing their government benefits.
To be eligible, the beneficiary's disability must have been diagnosed before turning 26. The account must also be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services.
Here are some examples of qualified disability expenses:
- Education
- Housing
- Transportation
- Employment training and support
- Assistive technology and personal support services
- Health, prevention, and wellness
- Financial management and administrative services
- Legal fees
- Expenses for oversight and monitoring
- Funeral and burial expenses
These expenses can include food, whether in the form of groceries or restaurant meals, as determined by the Social Security Administration in 2022.
Investment Allocations
You can identify the portfolio(s) where you want new deposits to be invested when you open your Attainable account.
You can change this investment direction for new deposits at any time, which is convenient if your financial goals or risk tolerance change.
To make an investment change, please call a representative, as this is the recommended method for updating your investment allocations.
You may only move money already invested in the account between portfolios in the account twice per calendar year, so it's essential to plan ahead for any changes.
Additionally, you can also move money already invested in the account upon change of the account owner or designated beneficiary.
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Benefits and Considerations
Using a fund in an able account can be a great way to save for specific goals, such as a down payment on a house or a wedding.
You can set up as many funds as you need, and each one can have its own unique name and description.
Having multiple funds can help you keep your savings organized and make it easier to track your progress towards your goals.
One thing to consider is that each fund will have its own interest rate, which may be different from the overall interest rate of the able account.
Ultimately, the key is to find a system that works for you and helps you stay on track with your savings goals.
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Tax Benefits
Tax Benefits can be a game-changer for those with disabilities. ABLE accounts offer tax-exempt growth, meaning your savings can grow over time without being taxed.
You can save up to $100,000 with an ABLE account without impacting your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This is a huge advantage for those who rely on SSI.
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No federal income tax will be owed on withdrawals, including any earnings, if the money is used for qualified disability expenses. This is a big relief for those who need to use their savings for essential expenses.
Contributions are not federally tax deductible, so you won't get a tax break for putting money into an ABLE account.
Some states may offer tax deductions or other tax benefits for ABLE plans, but Massachusetts does not currently offer a state tax deduction. If you live in Massachusetts, you'll need to check with your tax advisor to see if there are any other options available.
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Disability Benefit Considerations
Disability Benefit Considerations are a crucial aspect to consider when it comes to managing your finances and benefits.
The money in your Attainable account will not usually impact your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income benefits, but any account balance over $100,000 will be counted as a resource of the designated beneficiary and could result in the suspension of your SSI benefits.
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Medicaid benefits are not impacted by money invested in an Attainable account, regardless of balance level.
Other disability benefit programs may be affected by your Attainable account balance, so it's essential to review the Attainable Disclosure Document (PDF) for specific details.
The Medicaid Recapture provision is a provision that allows states to file a claim against unexpended amounts in an Attainable account upon the death of the account owner/beneficiary.
Here are some key points to consider regarding Disability Benefit Considerations:
- Any account balance over $100,000 in your Attainable account could result in the suspension of your SSI benefits.
- Medicaid benefits are not impacted by money invested in an Attainable account.
- The Medicaid Recapture provision allows states to file a claim against unexpended amounts in an Attainable account upon the death of the account owner/beneficiary.
Comparing State Programs
Comparing State Programs can be a bit overwhelming, but it's worth the effort to find the best fit for your needs. You can switch your ABLE account from one state program to another, so you don't have to stick with the state program you choose.
Some states offer ABLE accounts and others don't, so you'll want to check if your state has a program. Ohio's ABLE account program is STABLE, for example.
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To compare ABLE programs, think about these key questions: How easy is it to put money in the account and take money out for qualifying expenses? For example, does it come with a debit card?
Customer support is also crucial. Try calling the program to see whether it seems helpful. You want a program that's responsive to your needs.
Each state program offers different investment options, so choose a program that matches your investment goals. Some programs may offer more conservative options, while others may offer more aggressive investment strategies.
Fees can add up, so be sure to check the program's fees for opening the account and for keeping money in it. Some programs may charge higher fees than others, so it's essential to compare.
Some state programs offer extra benefits for residents of that state, such as extra tax benefits. These can be a nice perk, but be sure to check the details of the program to see what's included.
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Managing Your Account
Managing your Able account requires some planning and organization, but it's worth it to ensure you're using the funds wisely. You can use a debit card linked to your account to pay for qualifying expenses, and you don't need authorization to spend your money.
To spend money from your account, you'll need to make sure your expense qualifies, and keep records of how you used your Able account. Withdrawing cash from the account is also an option, but be aware that holding onto the money or putting it in a normal bank account could affect your benefits.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind when managing your account:
- Money from an Able account used for housing expenses doesn't reduce SSI benefits.
- Annual recertification is required if the eligible individual is not permanently disabled.
- You can transfer assets from one Able account to another with no tax consequences, but only once per 12 months for the same designated beneficiary/eligible individual.
- You can transfer all or part of the money from your Able account to another person's account, as long as that person is eligible and is a sibling to the original account owner.
Depositing Money Rules
You can deposit up to $19,000 from any source into an ABLE account in a calendar year.
If you have a job, you can also deposit an additional $15,060 from your earned income, making the total possible deposit up to $34,060.
State ABLE programs have their own limits on the total amount in your account, typically ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.
The federal annual gift-tax exclusion amount is currently $19,000, which is the maximum aggregate annual contribution to an Attainable account.
If you're employed and have income, you can contribute an additional $15,060 to your Attainable account, or up to the federal poverty level for a 1-person household.
You can roll over up to $19,000 per year from a 529 to an ABLE account with no penalty.
Here's a summary of the deposit limits:
Remember to keep good records to ensure you don't exceed the deposit limits and risk penalties.
Rollovers Into Your
You can roll over up to $19,000 per year from a 529 plan to an ABLE account with no penalty. This can be a great way to transfer funds from one type of savings account to another.
To roll over assets from a 529 plan to an ABLE account, the Designated Beneficiary of the ABLE account must be the Designated Beneficiary of the 529 account or a member of their family. You'll also need to submit a completed Rollover/Transfer Request - ABLE Account form.
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You can only make one rollover from a 529 plan to an ABLE account every 12 months, and it must be completed within 60 days of the date of withdrawal. This is a one-time transfer for the same Designated Beneficiary.
If you're transferring assets from one ABLE account to another, the Designated Beneficiary of the receiving account must be the same as, or an Eligible Individual who is, a member of the family of the Designated Beneficiary of the ABLE account from which the withdrawal was made.
Here are the key details to keep in mind:
- Rollovers between qualified ABLE programs are permissible.
- You can roll over up to $19,000 per year from a 529 plan to an ABLE account.
- The Designated Beneficiary of the ABLE account must be the same as, or a member of the family of, the Designated Beneficiary of the 529 account.
- Rollovers must be completed within 60 days of the date of withdrawal.
- You can only make one rollover from a 529 plan to an ABLE account every 12 months.
Contributing to Your
You can contribute up to $19,000 from any source to an ABLE account in a calendar year.
If you earn a job, you can also contribute an additional $15,060 from your own earned income.
For example, if you earn a job and have a total of $15,060 or more, you could have a total of up to $34,060 go into your ABLE account in a year.
To make an additional contribution amount, you'll need to submit your first additional contribution each year via check, along with a completed ABLE Additional Contribution Amount Form (PDF).
Note that aggregate annual contributions to an Attainable account may not exceed the federal annual gift-tax exclusion amount, which is currently $19,000 but may change in the future.
Here are the details on contributions:
Keep in mind that you need to keep good records to ensure that too much money isn’t put into your account.
It's also worth noting that state ABLE programs may have their own limits on the total amount in your account, typically ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.
For example, a state program might say that if you have $400,000 in your ABLE account, you cannot deposit any more money.
Limits on the
You can put up to an extra $15,060 of your earnings into your account (on top of the regular $19,000 that is allowed).
The $15,060 must be from your own earnings – it cannot be contributions from others or money you get from benefits or other unearned income.
If you're audited by the IRS, you'll need to show them how you've used your money, so keep receipts for all your qualifying expenses.
To avoid over-contributing, check with your ABLE program if you have any questions about the contribution limits.
You may qualify for the Saver's Credit when you file your federal taxes.
Here are the limits on contributions to an ABLE account at a glance:
Remember, the money in an ABLE account has to be used for certain qualifying expenses, so make sure you're using it wisely.
Special Cases
You can use an ABLE account to pay for housing expenses, but only by first moving funds from a Special Needs Trust to the ABLE account.
Special Needs Trusts can accept unlimited dollars and non-cash assets, such as real estate, which is not possible with an ABLE account.
Trusts can be written or amended to make distributions to an ABLE account, allowing for a seamless transfer of funds.
Special Needs Trusts
Special Needs Trusts can be written or amended to make distributions to an ABLE account.
ABLE and Special Needs Trusts can work well together, allowing you to move funds from the trust to an ABLE account and pay expenses directly from ABLE.
Special Needs Trusts can accept unlimited dollars and non-cash assets, such as real estate, which is not possible with an ABLE account.
Trusts can be a great way to manage funds for someone with special needs, as they can hold and distribute assets without affecting government benefits.
You can't pay for a housing expense directly from a trust, but you can move funds to an ABLE account and pay that expense directly from ABLE.
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Burial Expenses
When dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's passing, managing finances can be a daunting task. Upon the owner's death, the money remaining in an ABLE account goes to the account owner's estate.
You'll need to prioritize outstanding expenses to ensure a smooth transition. Any outstanding disability expenses can be paid from the individual's ABLE account.
Burial expenses can also be covered from the ABLE account, providing a sense of relief during a difficult time. This allows you to focus on supporting your loved ones rather than worrying about financial burdens.
Qualified Disability Expenses (QDEs)
Qualified Disability Expenses (QDEs) are a crucial aspect of ABLE accounts. They're the expenses that can be paid from an ABLE account without penalty or tax.
The original definition of QDEs, as outlined in the ABLE Act, includes expenses like education, housing, and employment training. It also covers assistive technology and personal support services, as well as health, prevention, and wellness costs.
Additional QDEs include financial management and administrative services, legal fees, and expenses for oversight and monitoring. Funeral and burial expenses are also considered QDEs.
In 2022, the SSA expanded the list of QDEs to include food, whether in the form of groceries or restaurant meals.
Here are some examples of QDEs:
- Education
- Housing
- Employment training and support
- Assistive technology and personal support services
- Health, prevention, and wellness
- Financial management and administrative services
- Legal fees
- Expenses for oversight and monitoring
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Food (groceries or restaurant meals)
Advice and Purpose
ABLE accounts are designed to help individuals with disabilities maintain or improve their health, independence, or quality of life. Qualifying disability expenses, or QDEs, are broadly construed to include any benefit related to the designated beneficiary.
You can use ABLE funds for everyday expenses like a car, smartphone, or education, and even for things like books and a laptop for classes. The category of QDEs is very broad and includes any expense paid for the benefit of the eligible beneficiary.
It's essential to keep records of how you spend ABLE funds, as misuse could result in tax penalties and possible loss of public benefits. Experts advise using public benefits for key expenditures and reserving ABLE funds for things less likely to be covered by Medicaid.
ABLE accounts can hold up to $100,000, and up to $17,000 per year can be contributed to an ABLE account. This can be a significant amount for individuals with disabilities who were diagnosed with a disability before age 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses are not allowed from an ABLE account?
Expenses not allowed from an ABLE account include taxes, investments, and non-essential items. These funds are intended for qualified disability expenses, such as medical costs and daily living needs
Can I use my ABLE account to buy groceries?
Yes, you can use your ABLE account to pay for groceries, as they are considered a qualified disability expense. This means you can use your tax-free ABLE account funds to cover food expenses.
Sources
- https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-wellness/able-accounts/
- https://oh.db101.org/oh/situations/workandbenefits/assets/program.able.htm
- https://www.mefa.org/article/the-benefits-of-able-accounts/
- https://www.fidelity.com/able/attainable/using-your-account
- https://attorney.elderlawanswers.com/what-can-able-account-money-be-spent-on-18778
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