FAQs
Answers at your fingertips
You can scroll through the FAQs or click on a category below to scroll to that section of the page.
- About ABLE
- ALR
- Benefits
- Contributions
- Eligibility
- Fees
- General
- Gifting
- How the Account Works
- Linking Bank Accounts
- Opening an Account
- Prepaid Card
- Qualified Expenses
- Successors and Estates
- Tax Benefits
- How can I use the money in my account?
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You can withdraw money from the account and use it for eligible qualified disability expenses which includes most costs associated with living with a disability.
See the list of approved categories for more details.
- How do I prove an eligible expense?
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We don’t need proof of your expenses, but you should have it for your records as the IRS may require you to provide proof of qualified disability expenses in the case of an audit.
- Can money in my ABLE account be recovered in a bankruptcy?
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No. The ABLE account is protected from bankruptcy.
- Can I use funds to pay for housing or rent?
- You can use money from an ABLE account for housing expenses. If you’re eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the money must be used within the month it was withdrawn so it doesn’t count as income for the month in determining your SSI eligibility. Plus, having an ABLE account doesn’t... Read more
- What happens if I withdraw money for a non-eligible expense?
- You’ll have to pay taxes on any non-eligible expense, plus a 10% penalty on the earnings portion of the withdrawal. A withdrawal used for a non-eligible expense, or for housing expenses even if they are qualified disability expenses, could affect your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income... Read more
- Can I use ABLE funds to pay for a vacation?
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Maybe. Qualified disability expenses may differ from beneficiary to beneficiary depending on their disability. A vacation could qualify as an eligible expense if it maintains or improves the health, independence, or quality of life of the person living with a disability.
- What is considered to be a “qualifying expense”?
- A "qualified disability expense" means any expense related to the beneficiary as a result of living a life with disabilities. These may include education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, personal support services, health care expenses, financial... Read more
