Dear Eric: This is regarding “Concerned for the Future”), the mother concerned for the financial well-being of her mentally and physically disabled son after her death. There are now federal accounts available, similar to 529 plans, for such individuals. An ABLE plan (Achieving Better Life Experience) allows mom or anyone to donate a maximum of up to $18,000/year to this plan.
He can access this account with a debit card for medical and personal living expenses. Any plan balance under $100,000 does not affect Supplemental Security Income, and under $235,000 to $596,925, depending on the state, does not affect Social Security, SDI or federal housing benefits.
A Special Needs Trust can be set up by mom to be funded now or at her death that will fund the ABLE plan annually for the lifetime of the son and give him independence and financial stability.
– Parent of a Disabled Adult
Dear Parent: Thank you for this insight. A few readers wrote in about ABLE plans as an option available to the letter writer. I hope she’ll research what’s available in her state and discuss this path with an estate lawyer, financial adviser or other qualified professional with knowledge of her situation. The ABLE Plan National Resource Center (ablenrc.org), managed by the National Disability Institute, also has a wealth of information. One of the things I liked most about the site is the ability to review fees, FDIC-insured statuses and other factors for each plan.
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