Financial Planning & Legal Tools

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE)

An ABLE Account (Achieving a Better Life Experience) is a special savings account created specifically for individuals with disabilities. It allows you to save money while protecting SSI and Medicaid benefits.

How ABLE Accounts Work:
• Deposit up to $20,000 per year (2026) without affecting SSI
• Medicaid is NOT affected by ABLE account balances
• Money grows tax-free
• Withdrawals are tax-free for disability-related expenses
• Your child owns and controls the account

Your child can open an ABLE account if they:
• Have a disability that began before age 26
• Receive SSI or SSDI, OR have a disability determination from Social Security
• Are a U.S. citizen or resident alien

What Can ABLE Money Pay For?
• Education and training
• Employment support (job coaching, transportation, equipment)
• Home modifications and accessibility
• Medical equipment and therapy not covered by Medicaid
• Recreation and entertainment
• Assistive technology
• Transportation and vehicle modifications
• Dental and vision care

apply here

Special Needs Trusts

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal document that allows you to leave money or property to your child without affecting their SSI or Medicaid benefits. Without a Trust: Money left to your child counts as a resource. Since SSI limits resources to $2,000, your child loses SSI and Medicaid benefits. With a Trust: Money is protected. Your child keeps SSI and Medicaid while a trustee uses trust money for additional needs.

Types of Special Needs Trusts:

First-Party SNT: Funded with your child’s own money (inheritance, settlement, work earnings). Use when your child receives money from other sources.
Third-Party SNT: Assets from someone other than the beneficiary — often parents, grandparents, or other relatives.
Pooled Trust: Managed by a nonprofit on behalf of multiple beneficiaries. Good if you want professional management.

What Trust Money Can Pay For:
• Therapy and medical care not covered by Medicaid
• Dental and vision care
• Recreation, travel, and entertainment
• Private school or higher education
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Assistive technology and equipment
• Job training and employment support
• Personal items

Trust Cannot Pay For:
Food, shelter, or medical care covered by government programs (this would disqualify your child from benefits).