Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll down to see answers to things we get asked a lot. If you're looking for something specific, enter or choose a keyword below.
- About ABLE
- ALR
- Benefits
- Contributions
- Eligibility
- General
- Gifting
- How the account works
- Linking bank accounts
- Opening an account
- Qualified expenses
- Successors and Estates
- Tax benefits
- Who can contribute to an ABLE account?
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Anyone! A family member, friend, or you, the person with a disability, may contribute to an ABLE account.
- What is the maximum annual contribution?
- The total annual contributions by you, family and/or friends for calendar year 2024 are $18,000. This limit is tied to the federal gift tax exclusion. In future years, the IRS may change the annual amount that can be excluded from federal gift taxes, so you should consult with your tax advisor for... Read more
- What are the lifetime contribution limits?
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Contributions can be given to a Maryland ABLE account up to a maximum account balance of $500,000.
- Can an ABLE account holder put their Social Security benefits (SSI or SSDI) into their ABLE account?
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Yes, a beneficiary can put their Social Security Income (SSI), Supplement Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), etc. benefits into their ABLE account up to the annual contribution limit of $18,000 for 2024.
- Can I make direct deposits into an ABLE account?
- Users can contribute to their accounts using fast, secure direct deposits from either the Social Security Administration or their paycheck. Complete the setup process in three simple steps: Log in to your ABLE account and click on “Direct Deposit” on the Total Balance tile. Or, once logged in, go... Read more
- Can wages or other income be deposited into an ABLE account?
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Yes. The ABLE to Work Act allows beneficiaries who are employed to contribute an amount equal to the Beneficiary’s compensation for the taxable year, up to the Able to Work limit for that year, in addition to the annual standard contribution limit for that year.
- Are contributions considered to be an asset?
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The money in the account generally isn’t considered to be an asset for state and federal means-tested benefit purposes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits only, you can have up to $100,000 in the account before the funds start to count against the $2,000 asset limit.
- What type of bank accounts can I add to my account?
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You can connect a checking or savings account.
- What is ABLE to Work?
- The ABLE to Work Act allows beneficiaries who are employed to contribute an amount equal to the Beneficiary’s compensation for the taxable year (up to a maximum of $15,060 in 2025) each year to their ABLE accounts in addition to the annual standard contribution limit of $19,000. You can make an... Read more
- Can I roll over a 529 College Savings Plan into my ABLE account?
- Yes, you can roll over money from a 529 college savings account into a beneficiary’s (or family member’s*) ABLE account without being penalized. There is a $18,000 rollover limit (less the current tax-year ABLE contributions). You can use the appropriate 529 College Savings to ABLE Rollover... Read more
