When it comes to securing the future of a child with special needs, financial planning is crucial. Financial planning involves creating a roadmap to achieve long-term financial goals. It includes budgeting, saving, investing, and risk management to provide financial security for yourself and your family. Tailoring a financial plan to accommodate the unique needs of a special needs child is essential for their long-term well-being and independence.
One powerful tool at your disposal is an ABLE account, which allows you to save and invest money while preserving your child’s eligibility for certain benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of financial planning and how ABLE accounts can help set special needs children up as beneficiaries, ensuring a brighter and more secure future.
Introducing ABLE Accounts:
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, including special needs children. These accounts allow families to set aside funds to pay for qualified disability-related expenses while maintaining eligibility for certain means-tested government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Participants in the program can also contribute to their own accounts if they have a job.
Benefits of ABLE Accounts:
- Tax-Advantaged Growth: Contributions made to an ABLE account grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free as long as they are used for qualified expenses, such as education, housing, healthcare, transportation, and employment training.
- Preserving Government Benefits: ABLE accounts play a crucial role in maintaining eligibility for means-tested government benefits. The first $100,000 in an ABLE account is generally excluded from the SSI resource limit ($2,000), allowing individuals to maintain crucial support.
- Financial Empowerment: Having an ABLE account provides special needs children with a sense of financial empowerment and independence. It allows them to manage their own funds and make decisions related to their needs and aspirations.
- Flexible Contributions: Contributions to an ABLE account can come from various sources, including parents, relatives, and friends. It enables friends and family members to contribute to the child’s future and support their financial goals. If the account beneficiary has a job, their paychecks can be automatically deposited into their ABLE accounts.
- Investment Options: ABLE accounts offer various investment options, allowing families to potentially grow their savings over time. Balancing conservative and growth-oriented investments can ensure the account’s value increases while managing risk.
- Easy Withdrawals: Easily access funds online by requesting an electronic transfer to a bank account. There is also an optional reloadable ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card available for additional convenience.
Tips for Utilizing ABLE Accounts:
- Understand Eligibility: Special needs individuals must have a significant disability that originated before the age of 26 to be eligible for an ABLE account. Eligibility requirements may vary by country or state.
- Learn Contribution Limits: Contributions to ABLE accounts often have an annual limit, typically aligned with the gift tax exclusion limit. Familiarize yourself with these limits and plan accordingly.
- Explore Qualified Expenses: Educate yourself about eligible uses of ABLE account funds to maximize their benefits. Consult plan experts familiar with disability-related expenses to ensure compliance.
- Regularly Review and Adjust: As your child’s needs evolve, it’s crucial to revisit and adjust your financial plan and ABLE account strategy. Regular reviews will help ensure your investments align with your goals and circumstances.
ABLE accounts and their regulations can differ based on country and state. It’s essential to research and consult with professionals to understand the specific rules and advantages that apply to your situation. To see what plans are offered in your state, visit the ABLE National Resource Center’s website. There are 4 states in the country that do not offer programs, but you can often set up an out-of-state account and still utilize it within your home state.
ABLE accounts offer a valuable financial tool to help set special needs children up as beneficiaries and maintain eligibility for vital government benefits. By taking advantage of the tax advantages and flexibility offered by ABLE accounts, families can better support their child’s financial needs and provide a brighter, more secure future.
