An ABLE account, also known as a 529 ABLE or 529A account, is a state-run savings program for eligible people with disabilities in the United States. Rules governing ABLE accounts are codified in Internal Revenue Code section 529A, which was enacted by the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014. With limitations, funds in an ABLE account are exempt from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid asset limit, and earnings are exempt from federal income tax.[1]

History

Vice President Joe Biden and a child with disabilities at an event at the White House about the ABLE program in 2015.

Stephen E. Beck, Jr., vice chairman of the National Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia Board of Directors, proposed a plan to help his daughter, who has Down syndrome, save money. Beck's plan became the basis for the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.[2]

The ABLE Act received broad support in Congress, with 85% of Congress signing on as cosponsors.[3] On December 19, 2014, the ABLE Act was signed into law by President Obama.[4]

In June 2016, Ohio, Tennessee, and Nebraska were the first three states to launch ABLE programs.[5]

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 included language from the ABLE Financial Planning Act and the ABLE to Work Act. The ABLE Financial Planning Act allows rollovers from 529 plans to ABLE accounts. The ABLE to Work Act allows working beneficiaries who don't contribute to 401(k) or similar plans to make additional contributions to ABLE accounts.

As of August 2018, 39 states and the District of Columbia run ABLE programs, some of which are open to individuals nationwide.[6][7]

In 2024, a new podcast called ABLE today Show & Podcast as a new resource for the disability community on ABLE accounts.

Characteristics

ABLE programs are similar to tax-advantaged 529 plans for college savings.[8] In addition, a 529 plan can be rolled over into an ABLE account for a qualified beneficiary.

An ABLE account can be opened by a disabled individual who became disabled before 26 years of age.[8] In 2026, the accounts will be available to disabled individuals who became disabled before age 46.[9] An ABLE account can receive after-tax cash contributions from any person, including its owner.[1] Contributions in a year are limited to the federal gift tax exclusion [10] for that year — $17,000 in 2023. If the beneficiary works and does not contribute to a 401(a), 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan, the beneficiary can contribute an additional amount above that limit. The additional amount is equal to the lesser of the beneficiary's annual compensation or the federal poverty level for an individual — $12,060 in 2018.

Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account is exempt from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) asset limit.[11] If an ABLE account larger than $100,000 stops eligibility for SSI, the owner remains eligible for Medicaid.[1] An ABLE account can be used instead of, or together with, a supplemental needs trust, to maintain a beneficiary's eligibility for SSI.

Earnings from an ABLE account are exempt from federal income tax, and money spent from the account must be used for qualified expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and job training.[1] Some states make contributions to an ABLE account deductible from state income tax.[11]

Qualified Disability Expenses

Qualified Disability Expenses (QDEs) are costs related to the disability and are intended to maintain or improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These expenses cover a broad range of disability-related needs and can be crucial for those with special requirements.

QDEs can be drawn from an ABLE account tax-free. These may include costs associated with:

  1. Education
  2. Housing
  3. Transportation
  4. Employment training and support
  5. Assistive technology and related services
  6. Personal support services
  7. Health, prevention, and wellness
  8. Financial management and administrative services
  9. Legal fees
  10. Oversight and monitoring
  11. Funeral and burial expenses
  12. Other expenses approved by the Secretary of the Treasury under regulations.

References

  1. ^ a b c d "What are ABLE Accounts?". ABLE National Resource Center. Retrieved 2019-09-30.
  2. ^ "Down syndrome advocate dies amid ABLE Act action Stephen Beck Jr. was a national and regional leader". Waynesboro Record Herald. 2014-12-10. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  3. ^ Wood, Pamela (2016-06-21). "New accounts will help people with disabilities save for the future". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  4. ^ "ABLE Act Passed By Congress, Signed Into Law". American Network of Community Options and Resources. 2014-12-19. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  5. ^ "Achieving a Better Life Experience(ABLE) Act Overview". National Down Syndrome Society. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  6. ^ "ABLE Program Implementation". The Arc. 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  7. ^ "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE)". National Association of State Treasurers. 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  8. ^ a b Carrns, Ann (2016-05-06). "529A Accounts Let Disabled Save Without Risk to Government Aid". New York Times. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  9. ^ Carrns, Ann (2023-01-20). "Savings Accounts for Disabled People Are Opened to More of Them". New York Times. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
  10. ^ "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts". Program Operations Manual System (POMS). Social Security Administration. Retrieved 2019-09-30.
  11. ^ a b Ebeling, Ashlea (2017-05-17). "Fidelity Launches 529-ABLE Accounts, Tax-Free Savings For Disability Expenses". Forbes. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
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