Massachusetts Launches ABLE Program

The ABLE National Resource Center, managed by National Disability Institute (NDI), is excited to congratulate the State of Massachusetts on becoming the 21st state to launch an ABLE program. The Massachusetts ABLE program, named The Attainable Savings Plan, will be established and maintained by the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) and managed by Fidelity Investments. The Attainable Plan will be available to individuals with disabilities nationwide.

The MA ABLE program allows qualified individuals with disabilities to save up to $14,000 a year in an ABLE account without jeopardizing their eligibility for federally-funded means-tested benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. The funds in the account can be used for disability-related expenses that assist the beneficiary in increasing and/or maintaining his or her health, independence or quality of life.

Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families are often relegated to a life of poverty as a result of not being allowed to build even the most modest levels of resources. Individuals receiving supports through Social Security, Medicaid and other publicly-funded programs are often disqualified from those supports if they have more than $2,000 worth of resources or assets. Now, with the launch of ABLE programs nationwide, individuals with disabilities and their families will be able to take a step to better secure their financial futures and to help offset the often significant financial challenges that can accompany living with a disability.

Like the other ABLE programs across the country, the MA ABLE program focuses efforts to ensure minimal costs associated with establishing and maintaining an ABLE account (which can be done online). The MA ABLE program has an annual account fee of $30, charged on a semi-annual basis. Additionally, the program has an annual asset-based fee of 0.15%.

In addition to MA ABLE, there are 20 other states that have launched ABLE programs: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia. Most of these ABLE programs are open to eligible individuals nationwide. Please visit www.ablenrc.org for details about these programs.

For more information on the MA ABLE program and how to enroll, please visit https://www.fidelity.com/able/attainable/overview.

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