Unlocking the Power of ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Financial Advisors
Guest Expert: Kristin Carleton and Mary Morris
Date:
Webinar Replay Description
The webinar, led by Mary Morris and Kristin Carleton, equipped financial advisors with essential knowledge on ABLE accounts, covering eligibility, strategic planning, tax advantages, state-specific nuances, and comparisons to special needs trusts to better support clients with disabilities.
Comments
A few comments from listeners when they were asked what the learned from the webinar:
I learned about ABLE accounts. Specifically, I learned that the person with special needs can access the money directly with a debit card, I learned about the limits for the accounts ($19k contribution annually, $100k before government benefits are affected, and $550k total contribution limit overall.) I also learned that SSI and SSDI can be deposited into the account.
- Marissa H.
No restrictions on using an ABLE account to purchase a home. Can add additional funds to a 529A if working and not investing in an employer retirement account. 529 can be transferred to 529A. No reason to transfer in reverse from 529A to 529, though there is a 1% scenario where a family over-contributed to their special needs 529A for one child and doesn't have money to fund a 529 so want to reverse course to help fund 529 for a different child - beware sham trans. 529 has higher contribution max per year.
- Aaron S.
I never thought about how ABLE accounts are a way to save for final funeral expenses, which could be helpful if the disabled individual is ineligible to hold a life insurance policy.
- Samantha S.
Increased age January 2026 and ability to receive contributions to ABLE account from special needs trust.
- Theresa H.
I learned about ABLE accounts. Specifically, I learned that the person with special needs can access the money directly with a debit card, I learned about the limits for the accounts ($19k contribution annually, $100k before government benefits are affected, and $550k total contribution limit overall.) I also learned that SSI and SSDI can be deposited into the account.
- Marissa H.
No restrictions on using an ABLE account to purchase a home. Can add additional funds to a 529A if working and not investing in an employer retirement account. 529 can be transferred to 529A. No reason to transfer in reverse from 529A to 529, though there is a 1% scenario where a family over-contributed to their special needs 529A for one child and doesn't have money to fund a 529 so want to reverse course to help fund 529 for a different child - beware sham trans. 529 has higher contribution max per year.
- Aaron S.
I never thought about how ABLE accounts are a way to save for final funeral expenses, which could be helpful if the disabled individual is ineligible to hold a life insurance policy.
- Samantha S.
Increased age January 2026 and ability to receive contributions to ABLE account from special needs trust.
- Theresa H.
Unlocking the Power of ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Financial Advisors 05-30-2025
Attendees Comments:
I learned about ABLE accounts. Specifically, I learned that the person with special needs can access the money directly with a debit card, I learned about the limits for the accounts ($19k contribution annually, $100k before government benefits are affected, and $550k total contribution limit overall.) I also learned that SSI and SSDI can be deposited into the account.
- Marissa H.
No restrictions on using an ABLE account to purchase a home. Can add additional funds to a 529A if working and not investing in an employer retirement account. 529 can be transferred to 529A. No reason to transfer in reverse from 529A to 529, though there is a 1% scenario where a family over-contributed to their special needs 529A for one child and doesn't have money to fund a 529 so want to reverse course to help fund 529 for a different child - beware sham trans. 529 has higher contribution max per year.
- Aaron S.
I never thought about how ABLE accounts are a way to save for final funeral expenses, which could be helpful if the disabled individual is ineligible to hold a life insurance policy.
- Samantha S.
Increased age January 2026 and ability to receive contributions to ABLE account from special needs trust.
- Theresa H.