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F-2310 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE)
Revision 16-4; Effective December 1, 2016
An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program allows an individual with a disability or family members of the individual to establish a tax-free savings account to maintain health, independence and quality of life for the benefit of the individual with a disability. The individual must meet the criteria of the state's ABLE program in which the individual enrolls. The ABLE account funds can be used for the individual's disability-related expenses, which supplement, but do not replace, private insurance and/or public assistance.
Funds held in an ABLE account are excluded from countable resources when determining eligibility.
Note: For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), ABLE account balances over $100,000 are countable resources to the designated beneficiary and could result in suspension of SSI cash benefits. The individual retains Medicaid eligibility if the excess balance does not cause the individual to exceed the SSI resource limit. Due to the limitation on annual contributions, ABLE account balances will not result in SSI suspensions for several years.
Request information to verify an ABLE account. Verification must include the following information:
- name of the designated beneficiary;
- state ABLE program administering the account;
- name of the person who has signature authority (if different from the designated beneficiary);
- name of the financial institution; and
- ABLE account number.
Verification documents may vary among states. Examples of acceptable documentation include participation agreements, ABLE account contracts, financial statements, and annual income tax filing documents.
F-2320 School-Based Savings Accounts
Revision 16-4; Effective December 1, 2016
School-Based Savings Accounts are accounts set up by students or their parents at financial institutions that partner with school districts. Individuals may set up school-based savings programs through savings accounts, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Series I savings bonds, and Tuition Savings Plans under IRS Code, Section 529 or U.S.C. Section 530.
Funds in School-Based Savings Accounts are excluded up to an amount set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) each year. The current excludable amount is $11,896. Any excess over the excluded amount counts as a resource.
Note: This amount will be updated annually.