Questions and Answers from the May 25, 2017 Webinaron the PA ABLE Saving Program

Hosted by ODP and the PA Treasury

Can the individual open the account himself or herself?

  1. Yes, an individual can open an account.

Would a person with Asperger's who has full time employment with benefits, but has an autism waiver that is supporting him with job coaching, community integration, etc. be considered severely functionally disabled?In other words, would he qualify for an ABLE account?He has medical, dental, and dental SSDI through the state as a backup to his benefits from his employment.

A. Yes he would qualify to open an ABLE account.

Can someone who has more than $2,000 in resources each month put their money into an ABLE account versus having to spend down to the current SSI threshold? Currently this person is in a monthly spend down category and is required to spend down each month in order to qualify for medical assistance and their autism wavier. When a person opens an account, can the initial amount deposited be more than $14,000?

  1. Yes, they can contribute to an ABLE account rather than having to spend down.

No. A person cannot open an account with more than $14,000. $14,000 is the annual limit set by federal law. That is the limit today, but it may be adjusted each year based on inflation. However, the account value cannot exceed $511, 758.

Can an individual open an ABLE account prior to being eligible for Medical assistance (MA)?If so what documentation is required for MA application? Is any portion of the money counted as an asset? If an individual is currently receiving PFDS or Consolidated Waiver, are they able to have an ABLE account established?Does it affect eligibility?

  1. Yes, an individual can open an ABLE account prior to being eligible for Medical assistance. They would have to self-certify, which means have a written diagnose from a SSA doctor and the onset of the disability would be prior to the age of 26.

I do not believe there is anything that is needed. However, if you get audited, you would have to provide that documentation from a doctor certified with the Social Security Administration.

None of the money is counted for any federal means tested benefits with the exception of accounts over $102,000. If the account is over $102,000 then your SSI benefits would be suspended, but not terminated.It would remain that way until the resources fall below the threshold and then the SSI benefits would be active again. Also, Medicaid is not affected and would still continue per usual.

The requirements for anyone to open an ABLE account are:

  • The onset of the disability is prior to age 26 and
  • The individual has a physical or mental impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitation and which lasts or is expected to last 12 continuous months or result in death, or the individual is blind.

When the consumer passes away, who gets the money left in the ABLE account?

  1. I am assuming that the consumer is the account owner, or the person with the disability. If so the money gets turned over to the estate or can be transferred to a sibling if the sibling has a disability. You can use the money for outstanding qualified expenses, and funeral and burial expenses are qualified.

Is there any talk in Washington, DC about allowing ABLE contributions to come directly from an IRA account as part of a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD),much like charitable contributions?

  1. I am unaware of any talks in Washington, but yes contributions can come directly from an IRA account as part of RMD. We are assuming that this is done systematically. The information here: