Is it Time for You to Open an IL ABLE Account?

Do you wish you had a way to save for the products and services on display at this year’s Chicago Abilities Expo? If you, a loved one, or someone you know acquired their disability before age 46, you may be eligible to open an IL ABLE account and start saving for things you see at the Abilities Expo and many other expenses that come with having a disability — all while protecting federal benefits and gaining tax benefits. Money saved in an IL ABLE account can help pay for a wide range of expenses that come with living with a disability; services and products such as therapy, assistive technology, equipment, job training, education, and even daily living expenses, such as groceries and rent. IL ABLE account owners who receive federal means-tested benefits can protect those benefits by saving their money in their IL ABLE account – something a regular checking account cannot do. In fact, Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) recipients can save up to $100,000 in an IL ABLE account before affecting benefits. And by direct depositing SSI benefits into the IL ABLE account, you will no longer have to worry about that pesky monthly spend-down to avoid going over the $2,000 SSI resource cap. And don’t forget, there are tax advantages to owning an IL ABLE account. Earnings and withdrawals on an IL ABLE account are federally tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses. Have a birthday or anniversary coming up? Ask family and friends to give the gift of savings by contributing to your IL ABLE account. In 2026, contributions totaling up to $20,000 can be made from almost any source – family, friends, even fundraisers. Working IL ABLE account owners may be able to contribute even more! Your IL ABLE account can be an alternative, or add-on, to a retirement account or to a special needs trust. And you don’t have to wait or get permission to access your savings! An IL ABLE account may be a solution for you and your family! Stop by the IL ABLE Booth #508 at the Chicago Abilities Expo in Schaumburg for more information and bring your questions to the IL ABLE workshop on Saturday, June 13, at 12:30 pm or our new Spanish-language IL ABLE workshop on Sunday, June 14, at 2 pm. You don’t have to be a resident of Illinois to open an IL ABLE account. No matter where you live, you can open and start saving in an IL ABLE account. Get started at illinoisable.com. Over 40% of American adults live with a disability, yet many parks fall short. Discover how Houston Parks Board’s new guide helps create disability-inclusive parks, trails and playgrounds for everyone. Regular wheelchair accessible vehicle maintenance helps protect your independence, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and keep ramps, lifts, securement systems, and essential vehicle components operating safely and reliably.