Reporting the Death of an Account Owner

Reporting the death of a loved one can be stressful, so we’ve made this process as easy as possible during this difficult time.

Here’s what to do

Follow these steps to begin the transfer of ownership to the designated survivor.

1

Notify ABLEnow

When you’re ready, let us know. Our dedicated team of associates are ready to help you complete forms and secure the account.

Phone (Toll-Free): 1-888-567-0540
Customer service hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST

Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may dial 711 to access Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) from a telephone or TTY.

2

Gather information

You will need to provide some basic information about the account owner and a copy of their death certificate. A copy of a government issued ID, Social Security Card or other personal documents may be requested.

3

Complete and submit the appropriate paperwork

ABLEnow will provide you with the appropriate form, depending on circumstances, and provide guidance on additional documentation that will need to be submitted. In general, the estate of the Account Owner can request funds from the ABLEnow account to pay the deceased Account Owner’s outstanding qualified disability expenses, state Medicaid reimbursement claims or any estate taxes or penalties.

Qualified Expenses FAQs

: Yes. Authorized Individuals and/or an estate executor or administrator can use funds in the ABLEnow account to pay for final expenses, including funeral costs, and any other outstanding qualified disability expenses. It’s strongly recommended receipts and records are kept for these expenses.
: A Designated Survivor has been named by the Account Owner as the person who will receive the ABLEnow account assets in the event of the Account Owner’s death, following the payment of any outstanding qualified disability expenses, state Medicaid claims and estate taxes of the deceased Account Owner.
: If an Account Owner did not leave a will or have an estate, there may be some additional steps you can take to become an executor or establish an estate. Since rules may vary by state, it’s recommended that you contact your lawyer or local courthouse for requirements.
: To obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), please visit IRS.gov for more information.
: If the Authorized Individual of an ABLEnow account passes away, contact ABLEnow. A new Authorized Individual (eligible family member, conservator/guardian, power of attorney, rep payee) will need to be appointed. As part of this process, the new Authorized Individual will need to review the ABLEnow Program Description, and complete the Authorized Individual Change of Signatory Form, and submit a copy of the death certificate.
: All forms and documentation should be mailed to: ABLEnow, PO Box 219273, Kansas City, MO 64121.
: An Account Owner or their Authorized Individual may designate a Successor Authorized Individual. This person or entity will serve as the replacement Authorized Individual if the current Authorized Individual is removed, resigns, becomes incapacitated, or passes away.
: An Account Owner or their Authorized Individual may designate a Successor Account Owner to assume control of the ABLEnow account upon the Account Owner’s death. The Successor Account Owner must be a sibling of the Account Owner and meet ABLE eligibility requirements. The designation must be made during the Account Owner’s lifetime, though it does not take effect until after their death.