The ABLE Act is transforming financial futures for people with disabilities 🌈—giving the freedom to save, invest, and thrive without fear of losing benefits. 🔑
✅ Meet guest Adam Hartwell, Director of Attainable Outreach at Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority
✅ Adam explains the origins of the ABLE Act (Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act)
✅ How the ABLE Act creates nationwide opportunities with state-specific programs
✅ Why ABLE accounts are more user-friendly than special needs trusts
✅ Expanding eligibility through the ABLE Age Adjustment Act
✅ Examples of qualified disability expenses that improve everyday life
✅ Clarifications on SSI suspension vs. “losing” benefits when working
✅ How ABLE accounts encourage employment by offering higher contribution limits
✅ Key differences between ABLE investment portfolios and traditional savings
✅ Practical tips for using ABLE accounts for housing, education, and transportation
✅ Resources: MEFA, Fidelity, ABLE NRC, and local support webinars
The ABLE Act gives people with disabilities real financial control and the chance to build a brighter future. 🌟
MEFA Attainable: https://www.mefa.org/attainable
ABLE National Resource Commission: https://www.ablenrc.org/
The “Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience” Act was signed into law in 2014 establishing what are referred to as ABLE Accounts. These tax-advantaged accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save for short and long-term qualified disability expenses. Each State is responsible for administering their own versions of ABLE within certain guidelines. An ABLE Account in Massachusetts is called an Attainable®️ Savings Plan.
The Attainable®️ Savings Plan offers various investment options professionally managed by Fidelity Investments and may be used without affecting other disability-related federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, HUD, and others until you have saved $100,000. Earnings in an Attainable®️ account are federally tax-exempt and qualified distributions are not federally taxed. MEFA serves as the state sponsor.
Adam joined the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority in 2022 and has over 20 years of experience working in community advocacy, developmental disability supports, and education. In his role at MEFA, Adam works with a wide range of national, state, and local organizations and individuals to offer education and training on MEFA's Attainable®️ Savings Plan.
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