FFFP – January 6, 2023 – ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts

Presented by

Rebecca Lyons, ABLEnow

Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia

For Americans with disabilities, future financial planning can be a daunting experience. This is particularly true when trying to maintain federally-based benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), programs that limit the amount of personal assets a recipient can have before reducing the amount covered by these programs. Two vital money management tools available to persons with disabilities are special needs trusts (SNTs) and ABLE accounts. While both programs allow users to increase their financial options while protecting their eligibility for public benefits, there are many important differences to be aware of when choosing which to use, or indeed whether to use a combination of the two. For many beneficiaries, establishing both an ABLE account and an SNT (or two) to meet their various needs can work in harmony like the pairing of fine wines.

Join Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts at The Arc of Northern Virginia, and Rebecca Lyons from ABLEnow as they discuss the differences between ABLE accounts and special needs trusts, and what the best options may be for your family’s needs.