PARTNER TOOLKIT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ABLE United Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ambassador Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Newsletter Article/Blog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Social Media Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
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WELCOME LETTER
Advocates make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities every day. Thanks to a dedicated group of advocates like you, the ability to open an ABLE United account is a reality. And now, we want to arm you with the tools you need to help make Floridians with disabilities aware of this new financial option, which allows them to save like never before, and empowers them to invest in their future. The mission of ABLE United is to encourage and assist the saving of private funds to help people with disabilities cover costs that support their health, independence and quality of life. Simply put, to help save for a better life experience. Now, individuals with disabilities can: • Save tax-free for future qualified expenses • Save while maintaining federal benefits • Save on fees – ABLE United offers the best value for Florida residents ABLE United accounts provide an economical way to save up to $14,000 per year for future qualified disability expenses. For individuals who are employed, ABLE United can help grow assets with tax-free earnings. Those who are unable to work have the ability to save money without fear of losing benefits. An ABLE United account provides an opportunity for financial independence for individuals with disabilities, and also allows caregivers and family members to contribute and help financially prepare for their loved one’s future. It’s a new day for Floridians with disabilities. Let’s help them learn more about ABLE United accounts and how to start saving for a better life experience. KEVIN THOMPSON, Executive Director ABLE United
“No longer would individuals with disabilities have to stand aside and watch others use IRS-sanctioned tools to lay the groundwork for a brighter future. They would be able to as well.” - Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Florida
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ABLE UNITED QUICK FACTS
About ABLE United
Eligibility
• Allows individuals with disabilities to save money and build assets without negatively impacting federal benefits such as SSI and Medicaid
• Has a qualifying disability • Onset prior to age 26 • Florida resident
• Provides a tax-free savings and investment account that can be used for a wide variety of qualified disability expenses
Opening an Account • Takes less than 15 minutes
• Serves as Florida’s qualified ABLE program, made possible by the passing of the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. Florida will be one of the first states in the nation to launch a qualified ABLE program
• No documentation to upload • Others may open or assist in opening
Qualified Disability Expenses
How It Works Like a Roth IRA or a 529 college savings plan, an ABLE United account is a tax-free savings account that helps individuals with disabilities save for the future. The individual owns the account, but an authorized person may establish and help oversee the account.
Health
Housing
Education
Employment Training/Support
Assistive Technology & Support Services
Transportation
Funeral & Burial
Legal Fees
Financial Mangement
Advantages • Save tax-free for future expenses • Save while maintaining federal benefits • Save on fees – ABLE United offers the best value for Florida residents
“Because of ABLE United, I am able to save for the house that I’ve always wanted.”
Oversight & Monitoring
Other Approved Expenses by the Treasury Regulations
- TRICIA, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 23
LEARN MORE Visit ableunited.com to learn more about ABLE United and open an account. 4
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AMBASSADOR CHECKLIST
Saving for the future is a way of life for some; but for individuals with disabilities, fear of losing benefits has prevented them from building financial security. ABLE United offers a new way for individuals with disabilities to save for a better life experience. It’s a new day for Floridians with disabilities. Please consider helping us educate your members about this new savings and investment tool. Here are some of the ways you can assist: Provide a video or written testimonial about ABLE United Host a training for your staff and/or board of directors Host a presentation for your members Would this be part of an existing event or a new event? Please describe the event: How many attendees would you expect? Distribute materials to members Include an article about ABLE United in organization newsletter and/or email Include a blog post about ABLE United on your organization’s blog Serve as a guest blogger for ABLE United Participate in social media events like Twitter chats Submit a letter to the editor or opinion editorial on behalf of ABLE United Provide email/mailing address database to ABLE United Are there other ways you’d like to promote ABLE United that aren’t listed?
Contact Name: Title/Organization: Address: City: State: Zip: Email: Phone:
Please return this completed form to Emily Read at
[email protected] or fax to (850) 224-9286. For questions, please call (850) 224-0174. Thank you for your commitment to making individuals with disabilities and their caregivers aware of all of their financial options. We look forward to working with you to raise awareness about ABLE United within your community.
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NEWSLETTER ARTICLE/BLOG
The following is a sample article for your website, newsletter or other member communication. Please feel free to use this to help create a custom message for your audiences.
Save for a Better Life Experience After years of advocating, negotiating, and compromising, the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was passed into law. The ABLE Act now allows for the creation of savings and investment accounts for people with disabilities without negatively impacting federal benefits. Florida is among the first states to implement the law, which created the ABLE United program. ABLE United will allow Floridians with disabilities to save like never before – by receiving tax incentives to save for future expenses and building assets without risk of losing federal benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Funds in an ABLE account can be used, tax-free, for living expenses such as housing, education, and health and wellness services. ABLE United advantages: • Save tax-free for future expenses • Save while maintaining federal benefits • Save on fees - ABLE United offers the best value for Florida residents Advocates and family members united more than a decade ago to create a grassroots movement that resulted in one of the most important pieces of legislation for the disability community in years. Now, we can unite for all to achieve a better life experience. For more information on ABLE United, go to ableunited.com.
“Because of ABLE United, it gives me a sense of security that my brother does, and can, and will have a better quality of life.” - LATRICE, caregiver for brother with a disability
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SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE
Social media is a great way to spread the word about ABLE United. Below, you’ll find helpful information to help you craft posts for your social media platforms.
Online: Website: ableunited.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ABLEUnited
Campaign Hashtag: • #ABLEUnited
Topical Hashtags: • #NewWayToSave • #DisabilitySavings • #BetterLife • #ABetterLifeExperience • #ABLE • #ABLEsavings
Sample Facebook / LinkedIn posts: • Post-launch (after July 1) ABLE United is available for Florida residents with a qualifying disability. We’re looking forward to this new beginning, to help provide independence and a higher quality of life. #ABLEUnited Florida’s ABLE program is now available! It’s time to start saving for a better tomorrow. Sign up for ABLE United today. ableunited.com #ABLEUnited Join ABLE United and help us spread the word about a new way to save for individuals with disabilities. #ABLEUnited • General The ABLE Act was signed into law in December of 2014, when a handful of people gathered to sketch out a promise for a better future. Learn more at ableunited.com. #ABLEUnited ABLE United was created to make a better life experience for individuals with disabilities. ABLE accounts allow individuals to live, work and save like never before. Get involved at ableunited.com. #ABLEUnited Possibility starts small. ABLE United was born from the promise of a better future for people with disabilities. Learn more at ableunited.com. #ABLEUnited
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SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE
Sample Twitter Posts • Post-launch (after July 1) (127 characters): #ABLEUnited is now available for Florida residents with a qualifying disability. We’re looking forward to this new beginning. (127 characters): Florida’s ABLE program is now available! It’s time to start saving for a better tomorrow. ableunited.com #ABLEUnited (129 characters): Join #ABLEUnited and help us spread the word about a new way to save for individuals with disabilities. ableunited.com • General (140 characters): The ABLE Act was signed into law in 2014, when a group worked to create a promise for a better future. ableunited.com #ABLEUnited (133 characters): ABLE United helps individuals with disabilities save for a better life experience. Get involved at ableunited.com. #ABLEUnited (139 characters): Possibility starts small. #ABLEUnited was born from a promise of a better future for individuals w/ disabilities. ableunited.com (110 characters): A new way to save and keep your federal benefits, like SSI and Medicaid. ableunited.com #ABLEUnited
Additional Ideas • Share a weekly story of one of your members describing how ABLE will bring benefit to them. • “ABLE to save for” stories – how are your members using ABLE? • Request permission to share any testimonials and reviews from members across social.
If you’re planning any social media activities (e.g. Twitter chats, influencer partnership, blog posts), please let us know. We’re happy to help or answer any questions. Please contact Emily Read at
[email protected] or (850) 224-0174.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT ABLE Q: What is the ABLE Act?
The Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a federal law enacted in December 2014, authorizes each state to establish a program that offers tax-free savings and investment options to encourage individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life. Money contributed to an account in one of these programs is generally disregarded when determining eligibility for federal benefit programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
Q: What is the ABLE United Program?
The ABLE United Program is the qualified ABLE program offered by the State of Florida. The Program is administered by Florida ABLE, Inc. a direct-support organization of the Florida Prepaid College Board (Board). The Board, established in 1987, oversees approximately $10 billion in collective investments in the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida 529 Savings Program.
Q: What is an ABLE account?
An ABLE account is a tax-free savings and investment account established to support qualified disability expenses for an individual with a disability, including living expenses. Money in an ABLE account is generally disregarded when determining eligibility for federal benefit programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
The ABLE United Program is the qualified ABLE program offered by the state of Florida. ABLE accounts in the ABLE United Program are referred to as ABLE United accounts.
ELIGIBILITY Q: Who may open an ABLE United account?
There are three eligibility criteria for opening an ABLE United account: 1. Florida Residency The individual must be a Florida resident at the time of application. 2. Disability Severity Criteria The individual must be blind or have a disability that meets the disability and severity requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 3. Disability Onset The onset of blindness or disability must have occurred before the individual’s 26th birthday. Current age is not considered when opening an ABLE United account – except that the account must be opened by an adult 18 years of age or older.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Does my condition meet the eligibility requirements for an ABLE United account?
An individual meets the disability and severity criteria to open an ABLE United account if at least one of the following are true: 1. The individual receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 2. The individual has a condition on the List of Compassionate Allowances maintained by the Social Security Administration. 3. The individual has a diagnosis from a physician that the individual has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitation(s), and which can be expected to result in death, or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
The Internal Revenue Service categorizes eligible disabilities as follows: -
Developmental Disorders: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Developmental Delays and Learning Disabilities
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Intellectual Disability: May be reported as mild, moderate, or severe intellectual disability
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Psychiatric Disorders: Schizophrenia, Major depressive disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Anorexia nervosa, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), Bipolar disorder
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Nervous Disorders: Blindness, Deafness, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, Juvenile-onset Huntington’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Severe sensorineural hearing loss, Congenital cataracts
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Congenital Anomalies: Chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome; Osteogenesis imperfecta, Xeroderma pigmentosum, Spinal muscular atrophy, Fragile X syndrome, Edwards syndrome
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Respiratory Disorders: Cystic Fibrosis
- Other: Includes Tetralogy of Fallot, Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, End-stage liver disease, Juvenile-onset rheumatoid arthritis, Sickle cell disease, Hemophilia, and any other disability not listed
“Because of ABLE United, we are able to live a little bit freer in our day-to-day life.” - MICHELLE, mom of son with childhood apraxia of speech
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BENEFITS Q: How will an ABLE United account affect my federal and state benefits?
An ABLE United account is generally disregarded when determining federal and state benefit eligibility with the following exceptions for individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI): 1. For the purposes of determining eligibility for SSI, money in an ABLE United account in excess of $100,000 is considered an asset to the individual with a disability and may cause SSI benefits to be reduced or suspended. An account balance up to and including $100,000 is disregarded. 2. A withdrawal that will be used for a housing expense but that is not spent in the same month will be considered an asset of the individual with a disability and may cause SSI benefits to be reduced or suspended.
There is no impact on Medicaid benefits, regardless of how much money is in the ABLE United account, even if SSI benefits are reduced or suspended due to the ABLE United account.
To determine whether your specific state benefits may be impacted, please contact your provider.
OPENING AND MANAGING AN ACCOUNT Q: How do I open an ABLE United account?
You may open an ABLE United account quickly and easily online at ableunited.com. Enrollment may be completed by the individual with a disability or someone with legal authority over the individual, such as a parent, legal guardian, or a person acting under a power of attorney.
Q: Who may contribute to an ABLE United account?
Anyone may contribute to an ABLE United account on behalf of the individual with a disability, including the individual, friends and family. Contributions are considered a completed gift.
Q: Is there a limit to the amount of money that may be contributed to an ABLE United account?
The individual with a disability and others contributing on their behalf, may contribute up to $14,000 in total to an ABLE Account each year.
Contributions are not allowed if and when the account balance is at, or above, $418,000.
Q: Who owns and manages an ABLE United account?
The individual with a disability is the owner of the ABLE United account and may manage the account independently. However, if the individual is not able or chooses not to establish or manage the account, a parent, legal guardian or someone authorized by the individual may establish and oversee the account.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How are the funds in an ABLE United Account invested?
The ABLE United Program offers multiple savings and investment options with varying degrees of investment risk. An individual with a disability, or an authorized person on their behalf, may choose the most appropriate option(s). The underlying savings and investment products for each investment option are managed by professional investment management firms selected by the ABLE United Program based on investment philosophy and strategy; performance history; and organizational experience and financial stability.
USE OF FUNDS Q: How do I access funds in an ABLE United account?
Money in an ABLE United account may be withdrawn at any time and for any reason via electronic transfer or check. If the money is spent on one of the following qualified disability expenses, which are intended to include “living expenses” and are not required to be medically necessary, the earnings on the money withdrawn is tax-free: - Health
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Financial Management
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Oversight and Monitoring
- Education
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Employment Training and Support
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Funeral and Burial
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Assistive Technology and Personal Support Services
Other approved expenses by the Treasury Regulations
- Housing - Transportation -
Legal Fees
Q: Do withdrawals require approval from the ABLE United Program?
No. The ABLE United Program does not approve withdrawals from an ABLE United account. Money may be withdrawn from an ABLE United account at any time and for any reason.
Q: Who determines whether my expense is a Qualified Disability Expense?
Each year, the ABLE United Program will report the total amount of distributions to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of our annual tax reporting. The IRS may investigate the distributions from an ABLE United account to determine if a withdrawal was for a qualified disability expense.
In addition, the ABLE United Program will report the date and amount of each distribution from an ABLE United account to the Social Security Administration monthly. If the individual with a disability receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration may investigate any distribution to determine if the withdrawal was for a qualified disability expense.
In general, we recommend that documents and information adequate to justify each expense as qualified be retained by the individual or person administering the ABLE United account on their behalf.
Do you have a question that is not included here? Visit ableunited.com for an even more comprehensive list of common questions and answers. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please give us a call at 1-888-524-ABLE (2253). 12
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