ABLEnow Impact of Savings on Disability Benefits

ABLEnow accounts are designed to work alongside certain public benefits.

Save with confidence

ABLEnow accounts help individuals with disabilities save beyond asset limits while complementing resources such as private insurance, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), employment, and other sources.

Using ABLEnow with federal benefits

In most cases, having an ABLEnow account does not affect eligibility for federal benefit programs including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), housing assistance, and federal financial aid for higher education.

ABLEnow account balances below $100,000 are generally excluded from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) resource limits and do not affect SSI benefit payments.

Using ABLEnow with state benefits

State benefit programs and services vary. Because eligibility rules differ by state, account owners should check with their state benefits agency to understand how an ABLE account may interact with state-based disability benefits.

For individuals in Virginia, ABLEnow accounts do not affect eligibility for state-administered disability benefits.

Benefits are not required

Receiving public benefits is not required to open an ABLEnow account. Many individuals and families use ABLEnow as a tax-advantaged savings and investment tool, regardless of benefit status.

ABLEnow can be an essential part of a broader special needs financial plan.

*For complete rules and details related to government benefits, review the ABLEnow Program Description.

Impact on disability benefits FAQs

: Unless required by federal law, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) may not pursue Medicaid recovery claims against the ABLEnow or ABLEAmerica accounts of Virginia residents.

For customers who received Medicaid benefits outside Virginia during the time they had an ABLEnow or ABLEAmerica account open, that state’s Medicaid program can file a claim for some amount of repayment upon death. Before that happens, funds from the account may be used by their estate to repay any outstanding Qualified Disability Expenses, including funeral and burial costs.
: Yes, individuals with a disability can work and have an ABLEnow account, as long as they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Working Account Owners may also be eligible to contribute above the annual contribution limit through the ABLE to Work provision.
: No. Individuals do not need to receive disability benefits to be eligible for an ABLEnow account. Learn more on the Eligibility page.
: An ABLEnow account is generally disregarded when determining eligibility for benefits provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Residents of other states should check with their state benefits agencies to determine if an ABLEnow account affects any state-based disability benefits.
: An ABLEnow account is generally disregarded when determining eligibility for federal benefits, with two exceptions for individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

Balances over $100,000. For the purposes of determining eligibility for SSI, any ABLEnow funds above $100,000 are considered an asset and may reduce or suspend benefits. Balances up to and including $100,000 are disregarded.
Withdrawals for housing. Any withdrawal intended for housing that is not spent in the same calendar month is considered an asset and may reduce or suspend SSI benefits.

ABLEnow account balances do not affect Medicaid benefits, regardless of the amount.