RECORDED WEBINAR
The Power of the ABLE Account: Expanding Financial Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Elizabeth Yoder, CFP®, CFP Board Ambassador
Liz studied Speech Language Pathology and Audiology at Loyola College in Maryland. She moved soon after graduation into a supportive group home, where she was a live-in caregiver to four adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD). Liz got introduced to the IDD advocate community and became determined to work for families and individuals who were often scared to save or earn too much to disqualify them for government benefits. Liz became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional to advocate with them. In 2023, Liz founded Dependent Financial Planning. She serves clients across the country, many with high support needs and many with few. Liz knows that these families are often told what they can’t do. Liz works to find a path to what they can.
Description
For individuals with disabilities, financial security is often a complex challenge, especially when navigating asset limits tied to critical benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, passed in 2014, created a unique savings and investment vehicle designed to empower individuals with disabilities while preserving their access to essential support programs. In this webinar, CFP Board Ambassador, Elizabeth Yoder, CFP®, will provide an in-depth look at ABLE accounts and how CFP® professionals can assist pro bono clients in utilizing these accounts effectively. Attendees will gain an understanding of: the differences between SSI and SSDI and how they relate to Medicare and Medicaid; the income limits for receiving these benefits; and how an ABLE account protects assets while maintaining eligibility for essential services. By the end of the session, CFP® professionals will be better equipped to guide pro bono clients with disabilities toward financial stability and long-term security.
Learning Objectives
- Be able to define the difference between SSI and SSDI and how they are related to Medicare and Medicaid.
- Recognize income limits of receiving SSI and SSDI, including the Disable Adult Child benefit.
- Outline how an ABLE account protects assets for an individual with a disability.
This webinar series is sponsored by Fidelity Investments
