Do you have a way to save for your disabled child for their everyday needs or have a tax-free account that you use to save for their future without risking their state and federal benefits?  Navigating financial programs for people with disabilities can be tricky and confusing.  One option available to individuals with a disability is the Washington ABLE account.  In order to be eligible for the ABLE account, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have a disability or blindness that developed before the age of 26 that will last , or has lasted at least a year
• Be a US citizen or legal resident living in the state of Washington; and
• Confirm one of the following:
  • Are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) because of a disability;
  • Experience blindness as determined by the Social Security Act; or 
  • Can produce a signed diagnosis form by a licensed physician if requested.

To assist with determining if you or your child qualifies for a Washington ABLE account, they’ve put together an eligibility tool:

Eligibility Screener — Washington State ABLE Savings Plan

Once you determine if you or your child is eligible, then you determine how you’re going to use the account, who will manage it and set up the account. 

To help our community better understand the Washington ABLE account, we are going to be holding an informational session on August 16th from 12:00-1:00 pm.  Denise Redinger with Redinger Law Offices PLLC will be facilitating the training.