Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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ABLE account? (self.Blind)
submitted by trees202
First and foremost, I know many blind ppl are able to have fulfilling careers and support themselves independently financially, so I really hope my question is not offensive.
My very young niece is in the process of getting diagnosed with a dystrophy eye condition.
I'm wondering if anyone has experience opening an ABLE account with that type of diagnosis.
It says you have to meet social securitys definition of blindness in order to be eligible for an account... But if it's a degenerative disorder, she might not meet the eligibility at the moment, but will in the future.
Do we have to wait until her eyesight gets that bad before we can start contributing to that account? Or is a diagnosis that will lead to legal blindness enough?
No one knows the future and I'd like to make sure we are getting her set up with a little cushion as soon as possible. Even if she doesn't end up needing financial help, it sounds like the funds can be used towards assistive technology.
*Obviously to be discussed with her parents, but they just don't think about these kinds of things unless someone else does the research and presents it.
My very young niece is in the process of getting diagnosed with a dystrophy eye condition.
I'm wondering if anyone has experience opening an ABLE account with that type of diagnosis.
It says you have to meet social securitys definition of blindness in order to be eligible for an account... But if it's a degenerative disorder, she might not meet the eligibility at the moment, but will in the future.
Do we have to wait until her eyesight gets that bad before we can start contributing to that account? Or is a diagnosis that will lead to legal blindness enough?
No one knows the future and I'd like to make sure we are getting her set up with a little cushion as soon as possible. Even if she doesn't end up needing financial help, it sounds like the funds can be used towards assistive technology.
*Obviously to be discussed with her parents, but they just don't think about these kinds of things unless someone else does the research and presents it.
[deleted] 3 points 1y ago
Each state is different I believe. So check in with your state and the able stuff.
DHamlinMusic 3 points 1y ago
Depending on the state the requirements for opening one are very different, I have one that was opened years before I lost my sight.
Mr5t1k 3 points 1y ago
I have a degenerative eye disease (retinitis pigmentosa) and still do not fit the legally blind definition for peripheral vision loss, but the definition doesn’t allow for how my vision is worse in dim and dark settings. I was initially denied in Virginia for disability the one and only time I applied. But, I’ve heard getting an attorney and appealing is worth it.
BaBaBroke 1 points 1y ago
This is my recollection from 2019.
I'm not sure if it the same account, but a group of us listened to a pitch from a social security rep about an account you can put money into for medical bills and it does not get taxed. It appears it was designed for disabled younger people and almost like a savings account. My understanding is it was only for medical expenses. There may have been a limit on how much you can put into it. What you put into in did not count towards your maximin monthly income limit, I think. I asked what happens to that account if something happens to you, like die. She said something to the effect that social security keeps the money for what they paid out for you while you were on disability. I asked why would I put money into an account that the government is going to take when I can leave in under a mattress for my heirs. She didn't have an answer.
Make sure you understand anything you are putting money into and what happens when you need to use it and on what and when, and are they going to claim some or all of it. Again, not sure if it the same thing but beware of Uncle Sam trying to get some money back.
I'm not sure if it the same account, but a group of us listened to a pitch from a social security rep about an account you can put money into for medical bills and it does not get taxed. It appears it was designed for disabled younger people and almost like a savings account. My understanding is it was only for medical expenses. There may have been a limit on how much you can put into it. What you put into in did not count towards your maximin monthly income limit, I think. I asked what happens to that account if something happens to you, like die. She said something to the effect that social security keeps the money for what they paid out for you while you were on disability. I asked why would I put money into an account that the government is going to take when I can leave in under a mattress for my heirs. She didn't have an answer.
Make sure you understand anything you are putting money into and what happens when you need to use it and on what and when, and are they going to claim some or all of it. Again, not sure if it the same thing but beware of Uncle Sam trying to get some money back.
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