Two Tools, One Goal: Mastering ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts
Planning for the financial future of an individual with disabilities often involves balancing two important goals: preserving eligibility for public benefits while still allowing families the ability to save, invest, and provide meaningful quality of life. This seminar breaks down two of the most powerful tools available—ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts (SNTs)—and explains how they can be used separately and together in a coordinated plan.
We will explore the key differences between these accounts, including eligibility requirements, contribution limits, tax advantages, and how funds can be used without jeopardizing essential benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Attendees will also gain clarity on when an ABLE account may be sufficient on its own, and when a disability-focused trust is necessary for more complex or long-term planning needs.
In addition, the seminar will address practical administration topics such as allowable expenses, record-keeping best practices, and common mistakes that can lead to benefit disruption or tax consequences. By the end, participants will have a stronger understanding of how to build a coordinated strategy that provides both protection and flexibility for the future.