ABLE Accounts Give People with Disabilities the Power to Save

This summer, the ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) launched a month-long public awareness campaign called “#ABLEtoSave.” The national grassroots campaign began on July 31 and ran throughout the month of August. The purpose of the campaign was to educate and inform the general public about Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts, with the purpose of accelerating the use of this new saving tool for people with disabilities and their families.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that have the potential to significantly increase the health, independence, and quality of life of individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Additionally, as noted in the recently published LEAD Center brief, “The ABLE Act and Employment: Strategies for Maximizing the Effectiveness of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act as a Tool for Financial Stability and Employment Outcomes of People with Disabilities,” ABLE accounts can be used to help an individual with disabilities gain and maintain employment by helping offset employment-related expenses.

During each of the five weeks in August, ANRC provided a detailed calendar of messaging, social media posts, and other resources to campaign participants. Informational and marketing videos were also developed, and webinars on ABLE-related topics were held on Wednesday of each week.

Currently, 28 states have ABLE account programs. To learn more about the #ABLEtoSave campaign and ABLE accounts, visit the ABLE National Resource Center website.