Special Needs Planning

As a mother of a child with disabilities, I understand firsthand the financial challenges we face. Between medical expenses, therapies, specialized equipment, and the day-to-day costs of simply maintaining a good quality of life, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. And on top of that, we want to ensure that our children have a secure future, without jeopardizing their access to critical public benefits. That’s where ABLE accounts come in—a valuable tool that has personally helped me plan for my child’s future while navigating the financial hurdles that come with having a loved one with disabilities.

What is an ABLE Account?

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, passed in 2014, introduced a powerful option for families like ours. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. These accounts let us set aside money for our children’s needs without risking their eligibility for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

Since these accounts were introduced, families across the country have saved over $550 million, allowing them to cover essential disability-related expenses and give their children the security they deserve.

Who Can Open an ABLE Account?

To open an ABLE account, your loved one must meet certain criteria. Right now, the Social Security Administration requires that the onset of the disability or blindness occurred before age 26. However, in 2026, that age limit will shift to 46, meaning even more families will soon be eligible.

Those who already qualify for disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid are eligible, as are some people who may not meet the income or resource limits for these programs but still qualify based on their disability. There’s also a process to verify eligibility if your loved one has a physical or mental disability that causes severe limitations.

What Can We Use an ABLE Account For?

Unlike a regular savings account, ABLE accounts are tailored to cover specific expenses that directly support our children’s health, independence, or quality of life. These “Qualified Disability Expenses” (QDEs) include a wide range of essentials:

• Education and job training
• Personal support services
• Medical and health-related costs
• Food and housing
• Transportation
• Financial and administrative services

In essence, these accounts are designed to supplement, not replace, the benefits our children rely on. With an ABLE account, we can save for those critical expenses without compromising their access to SSI or Medicaid.

Making Contributions to an ABLE Account

Anyone can contribute to an ABLE account—family members, friends, employers, and even our kids themselves if they’re working. The annual contribution limit for 2024 is $18,000, which aligns with the gift tax exemption. And for children who work but don’t have access to a retirement plan, there’s an option to contribute a little extra, which can make a meaningful difference.

One of the things I love about ABLE accounts is the ability to grow these savings tax-free. Although contributions aren’t tax-deductible, any investment earnings in the account aren’t taxed when used for qualified expenses. This tax advantage allows us to make the most of our contributions, stretching each dollar further for our child’s future.

Protecting Access to Public Benefits

One of my biggest concerns, and I’m sure many of you share this, is ensuring my child maintains eligibility for critical support programs like SSI and Medicaid. ABLE accounts have special rules that help with this. For example, while SSI normally limits an individual’s assets to $2,000, ABLE accounts allow us to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI benefits. And even if we exceed that, Medicaid eligibility remains intact, providing peace of mind.

The Tax Benefits of ABLE Accounts

ABLE accounts work similarly to 529 college savings plans, allowing our savings to grow tax-free. This structure encourages families like ours to build up funds over time without the fear of losing it to taxes. When we use the earnings for qualified expenses, they’re tax-free—meaning we can use every dollar of interest or growth toward our child’s needs.

Getting Help from a Special Needs Planning Attorney

If you’re considering an ABLE account, I’d recommend consulting a special needs planning attorney. They can help you understand how an ABLE account fits into your broader financial and estate planning goals. Attorneys can also guide you on other tools, like special needs trusts (SNTs), to help safeguard your child’s future.

For me, finding financial tools that secure my child’s future is more than just smart planning—it’s peace of mind. Knowing that ABLE accounts exist to help families like ours navigate these financial waters has been such a relief. So if you’re just beginning this journey or are ready to dive deeper, consider exploring the ABLE account options available in your state. Together, we can build a foundation of financial stability and independence for our children, helping them live their best lives.

At Four Leaf Financial Planning, we’re here to support you in navigating this journey. If you want to explore ABLE accounts or other strategies, please reach out. Remember, we’re in this together—and with the right tools, we can empower our children for a brighter future.

At Four Leaf Financial Planning, we believe everyone’s voice matters, and voting is one of the most important ways to make yours heard. Yet, for many individuals with disabilities, the process of voting hasn’t always been as simple or accessible as it should be. If you or someone you love has faced barriers when trying to vote, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what the law says about your rights and how to make sure you can participate in this essential democratic process.

Why Voting Matters—and Why It’s Not Always Easy

The right to vote is fundamental, but too often, outdated assumptions about people with disabilities lead to challenges at the polls. For example, some individuals with visual impairments may struggle to read a ballot, while others using mobility aids like wheelchairs might find polling places inaccessible. These barriers can make an already complex process feel overwhelming. The good news is that federal civil rights laws are in place to protect your right to vote and ensure you have the same access as everyone else.

Your Legal Protections: A Quick Overview

Let’s break down the key laws designed to protect your voting rights:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This law requires state and local governments to make sure voting is accessible in every way—from registration to casting your ballot. Whether ensuring a polling location is wheelchair-accessible or offering alternatives like curbside voting, the ADA ensures equal opportunities for all voters.
• Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA): The VRA guarantees that voters with disabilities can get assistance from a person of their choice, such as a family member or friend, to help them at the polls. It also ensures that no one can be denied the right to vote based on their ability to read or write.
• Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (VAEHA): Passed in 1984, this law requires polling places for federal elections to be accessible. If an accessible location isn’t available, you must be given an alternative way to vote, such as voting by mail.
• Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA): This law ensures that every polling place has at least one voting system accessible to individuals with disabilities, offering the same privacy and independence as any other voter.

Registering to Vote: What You Need to Know

Before you vote, you need to be registered. If you’re receiving services from a public assistance office or a program specifically for people with disabilities, you have the right to register through those programs. These offices must help you complete the forms and send them in on your behalf. Additionally, they must provide the same level of assistance as they would with any other service they offer.

Don’t Let Accessibility Issues Stop You

Polling places can vary in their level of accessibility, but the ADA has clear guidelines for what makes a location accessible. If a building isn’t fully accessible, alternative solutions like curbside voting must be provided to ensure you can still cast your vote. Election officials are required to assess polling locations to ensure they meet the needs of voters with disabilities.

Take Action: Know Your Rights, Make Your Voice Heard

Whether it’s making sure you’re registered or ensuring your local polling place is accessible, it’s essential to understand your rights. You deserve an equitable voting experience, and there are resources available to help. For more information, check out the Department of Justice’s ADA resource page or reach out to a local attorney specializing in disability rights.

At the end of the day, your vote counts—literally. Let’s make sure nothing stands in the way of you exercising your right to shape the future. If you have any questions about voting accessibility or how you can ensure your voting experience is a positive one, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

Your vote is your voice—let’s make sure it’s heard!