How to make sure someone qualifies for an ABLE account?
August 21, 2024 9:53 AM Subscribe
I am starting research to help out a family member get an ABLE account set up. Right now, the person has to have a blindness or disability that began before the age of 26.
Their disability is mental health related, and they were treated and hospitalized before that age, but I am unsure of the timelines exactly. They did not get onto SSI until close to the age of 30. Is there a way to be sure they qualify for this before setting something up that might affect their SSI benefits?
SSI says they do not determine ABLE eligibility. Is it enough to just have a current doctor sign off on their condition?
Their disability is mental health related, and they were treated and hospitalized before that age, but I am unsure of the timelines exactly. They did not get onto SSI until close to the age of 30. Is there a way to be sure they qualify for this before setting something up that might affect their SSI benefits?
SSI says they do not determine ABLE eligibility. Is it enough to just have a current doctor sign off on their condition?
Related enough to be potentially useful to you: A Special Needs Trust might be beneficial for the family member. There are 3 types of SNTs, and at least one of them is best set up by a lawyer. Can share further info by memail, if wanted.
posted by concinnity at 4:47 PM on August 21
posted by concinnity at 4:47 PM on August 21
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What Are the Criteria Related to Being Eligible to Open an ABLE Account?
The ABLE Act limits eligibility to individuals with disabilities with an age of onset of disability before turning 26 years of age. If you meet this age criterion and are also already receiving benefits under SSI and/or SSDI, you are automatically eligible to establish an ABLE account. If you are not a recipient of SSI and/or SSDI, but still meet the age of onset disability requirement, you could still be eligible to open an ABLE account if you meet Social Security’s definition and criteria regarding functional limitations and receive a letter of certification from a licensed doctor of medicine or osteopathy, a doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine, and, for some purposes, a doctor of podiatric medicine, a doctor of optometry, or a chiropractor.
Please note, as of 1/2026 people who have a disability that began before age 46 are ABLE eligible.
Here's the listing of eligible disabilities.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:19 AM on August 21 [2 favorites]