World Autism Day resource - ABLE United!

Thanks to the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act in 2014, better known as the ABLE Act, ABLE accounts became a reality across the country. ABLE United is Florida’s qualified ABLE program and allows individuals with disabilities, including autism, to save with the help of family and friends without impacting eligibility current or future s public benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.

An ABLE United account is managed completely online at www.ableunited.com. With 43 ABLE programs available – some of which are national programs – we are proud to say that we offer the value best for Floridians.
ABLE United was developed by Floridians, for Floridians with no fees associated an opening in account. Opening an account is quick, easy and free – all you have to do is contribute a minimum of $25 to get started

An individual with a disability may only have one ABLE account at one time and there are three eligibility requirements for opening an ABLE United account: 

1. The individual with a disability must be a Florida resident at the time of application. 

1. The individual’s disability had to have an onset prior to age 26. 

1. Finally, the individual must be receiving SSI or SSDI and have a disability that is marked as “severe.” 

Those not receiving SSI or SSDI can self-certify as an option, and that individual must:  

• Have a diagnosis of a physical or mental impairment prior to age 26. 
• Have a disability that is “marked and severe with functional limitations.” 

• Have a disability expected to last for at least 12 months. 

A qualifying disability includes individuals with a diagnosis such as blindness, deafness, cognitive and development disabilities, as well as mental and physical impairments. For those that are unsure if a disability qualifies, we recommend utilizing our online eligibility wizard.

• Primary purpose? For so long, individuals with disabilities were not able to save due to asset and resources limits imposed by their public benefits programs.  This pressure of financial constraint is why a group of parents with disabled children banded together to help create ABLE United, Florida’s disability savings program. At its core, ABLE United believes that every individual with a disability deserves a secure and independent life – and with these tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts, thousands of Floridians with a disability can now secure their future without negatively impacting their benefits. 
• Main goals?  Since July 2016, ABLE United has provided thousands of Floridians the opportunity to save for today, tomorrow and the future; an opportunity to experience tax-free earnings, an opportunity to save for the future like a car, home, or even retirement, or to save for tomorrow to pay for your groceries, therapy, or additional services to improve your health or quality life. ABLE accounts were created to help individuals with a disability realize their hopes and dreams – and prepare for whatever their future may hold. 
• Timeline? Enrolling and managing an ABLE United account is all done online at ableunited.com – there is no need to go to the bank to setup an account. Signing up is quick, easy and free – it only takes 30 minutes or less. Here’s what’s needed:
  

1. The date of birth, address and Social Security Number for the individuals (beneficiary and/or account administrator) on the account
   
2. Documentation of Power of Attorney or Legal Guardianship for an adult beneficiary over the age of 18
3. Banking information
4. A minimum $25 contribution to the account
5. Investment selections 

• How to sign up? You can open an account online at www.ableunited.com.
• For help, contact:   www.ableunited.com, info@ableunited.com Customer Service: 1-888-524-ABLE (2253), from Monday – Friday, 9am – 6 pm ET.

“For the last five years, ABLE United’s mission has been to educate the disability community on the benefits of ABLE accounts,” says John Finch, ABLE United Director. “We are so grateful for our partners, like Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, who believe in our mission and afford us the opportunity to share how Florida’s disability community can become savers and investors for the very first time.”

---