How the Plan Works
ABLE United is a savings and investment program that helps individuals with a severe diagnosis or disability save money—tax-free—while maintaining important public benefits.
The ABLE account is always owned by the individual with a disability or severe diagnosis. But caregivers and advocates can help open, manage, and grow the account.
If you are a parent, caregiver, advocate or legal representative supporting an individual with a severe diagnosis or disability, you’re in the right place.
How ABLE United Stacks Up
Feature
ABLE United
Checking/Savings Account
Special Needs Trust
Roth IRA
Tax-Free Growth
Yes
No
No
(typically taxable)
Yes
(with limits)
Protects Public Benefits
Yes
No
Yes
No
Easy Online Access
Yes
Yes
No
(often managed by trustee)
Yes
Use for Daily Expenses
Yes
Yes
Sometimes
(must follow trust rules)
No
(penalties for non-qualified use)
Investment Potential
Yes
No
Sometimes
(varies by trust setup)
Yes
Monthly Fees
No
Sometimes
(varies by bank)
Sometimes
(trustee / admin costs)
No
4 Simple Steps to Getting Started
You can help your loved one decide how and when to use the funds—but remember, the account and its funds belong to them.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
To open an ABLE United account, the beneficiary (person with disability or severe diagnosis) must:
Be a Florida resident
Have a qualifying severe diagnosis or disability with onset before age 46.
Meet one of the following:
Receive SSI or SSDI benefits.
Have a diagnosis that meets the Social Security Administration's Blue Book definition.
Obtain a signed diagnosis from a licensed physician.
Still not sure if they qualify?
Step 2: Open the Account
If your loved one is 18 or older, they can open their own account OR if they need support, you can open it for them as an Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) .
Note: ALRs can be parents, guardians, or a legal representative, managing the account on their behalf.
You’ll need ALR bank account information (account and routing number) and a $25 initial contribution
Opening an account takes 10 minutes or less.
Step 3: Start Saving
Contribute any amount, any time - up to $20,000 per year
Invite friends and family to contribute via a secure gifting page
Set up automatic monthly payments or contribute as desired
Step 4: Use the Funds When Needed
ABLE funds can be used for qualified expenses including:
Education, housing, and healthcare
Transportation, job training, assistive technology, and support services
Daily needs, including food
Funds can be conveniently accessed via electronic transfer, check request, or optional ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card.
You can help decide how and when to use the funds—but, ABLE account funds belong to the individual.
Why Caregivers & Advocates Choose ABLE United
ABLE United is designed to give you peace of mind and greater confidence as you support your loved one’s financial well-being and future goals.
Tax-Free Growth
Investment earnings are tax-free when used for a wide range of qualified expenses
Benefit Protection
ABLE accounts won’t affect eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefit programs
Future Confidence
Whether you're helping manage daily needs or supporting long-term goals, ABLE United gives you a flexible, empowering way to plan for today and tomorrow.
Ways You Can Help
Contribute
Add funds whenever you can, or set up recurring deposits
Support Spending
Help manage and track qualified expenses
Understanding Eligibility & Enrollment
As a caregiver, you may help open and manage an account if:
You maintain proper documentation
(e.g., guardianship or POA)
You’re acting in the best interest of the individual
Common Terms, Made Simple
We’ve broken down a few key terms you’ll see:
529A
Also known as an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, is a tax-advantaged savings account designed for individuals with disabilities and their families
Annual Contribution Limit
The individual can save up to $20,000 a year - or more if employed. If they receive SSI, they can save up to $100,000
ALR (Authorized Legal Representative)
A person legally allowed to manage the account and who serves as an authorized signer on the account
Beneficiary
The person with the disability or severe diagnosis (they own the account)
Qualified Expenses
Funds spent to support health, well-being, or independence, including daily living expenses.
More on Qualified Expenses
Rollover Contribution
Moving funds from one ABLE program to another or from a 529 account to ABLE
Roth IRA
A retirement savings account where you contribute money you've already paid taxes on, and then your investments grow tax-free
Parents
Even if your child is an adult, you are still considered a caregiver in terms of opening an account on your child’s behalf.
Success Stories
When their options are limited, an ABLE account is there to protect them so that no one can touch that money. That money is for them, and this way, we know that their future goals—whatever they are—can be met.
Camryn's Mom
ABLE United Member since 2020
ABLE allowed us to put money away at our pace and be able to invest it so that when Caleb is an adult, he has funds available.
Caleb's Dad
ABLE United Member since 2016
Need Help or Want to Learn More?
We're here for you.
