Author: Amelis Long

Before June 2016, many individuals with disabilities and their families were told: don’t save. Saving assets for individuals with disabilities could mean losing critical benefits. With the adoption of the ABLE Act, individuals with disabilities are able to save for their today and tomorrow. Now that is progress forward!

But with progress, come new questions, new insights and ultimately new goals. Change—especially cultural change—isn’t easy, but the Enable Savings team is here to help. Our hands-on client service department is available to answer your questions over phone (1‑844‑ENABLE4) or email (clientservices@enablesavings.com).  And, as a helpful resource, we decided to compile the most frequently asked questions and concerns we receive, and provide the answers to each through a series of blog posts.

We hope this first post helps ease any confusion, and put an end to misinformation about the Enable Savings Plan:

1. Can I really save and keep my benefits?
   1. Yes, you can save money in your name and keep your benefits. The money you contribute to or withdraw from an Enable account is disregarded for eligibility determination for resource-based programs like SSI, SNAP and Medicaid.
2. What will happen to my Medicaid?
   1. You can retain your Medicaid and save money in your name. Any amount of assets in an Enable account is an excluded resource for Medicaid. Also, for Medicaid and SSI recipients, saving in an Enable account allows for continued Medicaid eligibility even if SSI is suspended due to excess Enable resources*. 

i.*The first $100,000 in assets in an Enable account are excluded from the SSI resource limit. Any dollar amount above $100,000 will count towards the resource limit. If the resource limit is met due to Enable assets, an account owner will enter an indefinite benefit suspension but retain Medicaid eligibility.

3. Am I eligible?
   1. Enable Savings is designed for people of all ages, with all types of disabilities and medical conditions. An eligible individual experiences a disability onset prior to his or her 26^th birthday AND

i.Is entitled to SSI or SSDI

ii.OR has physician’s certification indicating he/she has a marked or severe functional limitation, which is expected to result in death, or has lasted/can be expected to last for a continuous person of not less than 12 months

1. You can learn more about marked and severe functional limitations at:
   1. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm
   2. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm

iii.You do not need to be eligible for SSI or SSDI to benefit from Enable.

Was your question not answered above? Click on the link here to contact us! https://www.enablesavings.com/home/contact.html.