MO ABLE celebrates five years of providing tax-advantaged savings and investment plans to individuals with disabilities
MO ABLE, administered by the Missouri Treasurer’s Office, allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $16,000 per year, tax-free, without losing federal benefits like Medicaid and SSI. The program has nearly 3,000 accounts and more than $22 million assets under management, making it one of the largest ABLE programs in the country.
“MO ABLE helps give individuals with disabilities equal opportunity to plan for their financial future. Empowering people with disabilities to save their own money without the fear of losing necessary need-based benefits can have a life-changing impact,” Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick said. “As the parent of twin sons with special needs, I understand how important this program can be for families and individuals. I am grateful to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council for their continued help and support in spreading the word about this program. Together we are working to ensure that in the next five years even more individuals with disabilities take control of their personal finances and achieve financial independence.”
Earnings on funds in the MO ABLE account are tax-deferred and tax-free when used to pay for qualified expenses including, but not limited to, housing, transportation, basic living expenses, education, assistive technology, employment training and legal fees. The Internal Revenue Service raised the contribution limit from $15,000 to $16,000 per year, allowing account holders to save more without impacting their eligibility for need-based benefits.
About MO ABLE
MO ABLE Accounts are made possible by the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act that allows individuals with disabilities the ability to save without losing federal government benefits such as Medicaid or SSI. You can learn more about MO ABLE at www.moable.com.
About MODDC
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is a federally-funded, 23-member, consumer-driven council appointed by the Governor. Its mandate under P.L. 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration in all aspects of community life. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.moddcouncil.org.
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