ABLE United

FAQ If I withdraw the full balance and close my account, are the funds taxable?

The funds are not taxable if used for Qualified Disability Expenses. If withdrawals from the ABLE account for the calendar year exceed the Qualified Disability Expenses, the earnings portion of the funds may be subject to income tax, plus a 10% penalty. Consult a tax professional for additional guidance.

Keep in mind that these funds may be considered an asset for federal means-tested programs, like Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. Alternatively, you may roll over the funds to another ABLE account.

ABLE News, Blog ABLE accounts not subject to a Florida Medicaid recovery claim

ABLE United has provided thousands of Floridians with disabilities a new way to save without affecting government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. However, there has been one obstacle left that caused many not to open an account. Federal law allows that when a beneficiary passes away, and after all outstanding Qualified Disability Expenses are paid, …

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FAQ What kind of benefits do I get by opening an ABLE United account?

One of the main benefits of having an ABLE United account is being able to save for Qualified Disability Expenses and invest for the future in a tax-advantaged account. Earnings on the account grow tax free as long as the funds are used for Qualified Disability Expenses.

Generally, funds in (or withdrawn from) an account are disregarded when determining Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid eligibility and other resource means-tested public benefit programs (SNAP, TANF, HUD Assistance, Section 8, etc.). For more information on having an account and public benefits, click here.

Other benefits include the option to have a prepaid card to use for qualified expenses, and the ability to have family and friends contribute to your account.

FAQ Does having an ABLE United account affect my other benefits?

No. You can keep your federal and state benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, HUD Assistance, Section 8, etc.) with an account. If you receive SSI, there is a $100,000 limit before funds start counting against your $2,000 asset limit. As long as the money withdrawn is used for eligible expenses, it won’t count toward the limit.

Housing expenses are not a countable resource for SSI if they are paid directly from the account to a third party or withdrawn and paid in the same month. Withdrawals retained for Qualified Disability Expenses, other than housing, are not a countable resource for SSI. These funds must remain unspent and identifiable and are excluded in the months leading up to the actual expenditure.

FAQ What happens if I withdraw money for a non-eligible expense?

If withdrawals from the account for the calendar year exceed the Qualified Disability Expenses, the individual may be subject to income tax, plus an additional 10% penalty. Consult a tax professional for additional guidance.

A withdrawal used for a non-eligible expense could affect your eligibility for SSI benefits, Medicaid or other means-tested benefits under federal or state programs. A withdrawal that is applied to a housing expense in any month after the month of the withdrawal could impact SSI benefits.

FAQ Is there a Medicaid payback after a Beneficiary’s death?

The Florida Medicaid program may not file a claim for Medicaid recovery of funds in an ABLE United account. Upon the death of a designated Beneficiary, funds in the account can be used to pay for outstanding Qualified Disability Expenses, including funeral and burial.

The Beneficiary may list a successor designated beneficiary before their death. However, before any transfer to the successor designated beneficiary, the account is subject to the federal estate tax imposed by chapter 11 of the U.S. Code upon the estate of the deceased Beneficiary, as well as payment of any outstanding Qualified Disability Expenses, and any state claim under section 529A(f).

Federal law requires that each state recover Medicaid expenditures from a Medicaid recipient’s estate, however there are exceptions. For example, the Medicaid recipient must have been age 55 or older. If the beneficiary received Medicaid in another state, please check the law of that state, as federal law also allows a state to file a claim for Medicaid expenditures from an ABLE account.

For more information on Medicaid estate recovery, visit Florida’s Medicaid Estate Recovery Program here. If a Beneficiary has passed away, the executor of his or her estate should complete a Death of Beneficiary Form.

FAQ What happens after the death of a Beneficiary?

In the event of the death of a Beneficiary, the ABLE United account is payable to the estate of the deceased designated Beneficiary; however, funds from the account can be used to pay any outstanding Qualified Disability Expenses, including funeral and burial costs.

The Beneficiary may list a successor designated beneficiary before their death. However, before any transfer to the successor designated beneficiary, the account is subject to the federal estate tax imposed by chapter 11 of the U.S. Code upon the estate of the deceased Beneficiary, as well as payment of any outstanding Qualified Disability Expenses, and any state claim under section 529A(f).

If a Beneficiary has passed away and the personal representative/executor of their estate is not the Authorized Legal Representative, the executor may submit a death certificate and a certification that they are the personal representative and responsible for the proper disposition for the account balance. The personal representative may complete a Death of Beneficiary Form to have the remaining balance sent to the Beneficiary’s estate.

Blog, Faces of ABLE Faces of ABLE: Meet Camryn and Umar

ABLE United, Florida’s qualified ABLE program, is a game-changer for families seeking a secure way to save and support their loved ones with disabilities while maintaining essential federal benefits. By enabling individuals with disabilities to save for both present and future expenses, ABLE United empowers them to enhance their health, independence and overall quality of …

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Blog, Faces of ABLE Catching Up With Caleb

ABLE United, Florida’s qualified ABLE program, offers a tax-free savings and investment account to encourage individuals with a disability and their families to save for everyday and future expenses.  The ABLE United community is full of inspiring stories of individuals with disabilities living their best life and achieving their dreams. Let’s catch up with Caleb, …

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