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
- Can I still work and have an account?
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You can still work and have a Maryland ABLE account, but there are some rules and guidelines you should know about.
- Who can open an ABLE account?
- ABLE accounts can be opened for eligible U.S. citizens and legal residents living in any state in the United States, regardless of whether the state has an ABLE program. An adult beneficiary with a qualifying disability can open and manage a Maryland ABLE account or have an Authorized Legal... Read more
- Can a Social Security Representative Payee open an account for a beneficiary?
- Yes. A Representative Payee (individual or organization) can open an account for the beneficiary, acting as their Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR), if there is no one higher on the hierarchy who can, and they have been selected by the beneficiary or the beneficiary is unable... Read more
- What does eligible mean?
- The test for determining eligibility for an ABLE account is found in Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code. To be eligible, the onset of the disability must be before age 26.* A person who is entitled to benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability... Read more
- What is disability certification?
- A diagnosis from a licensed doctor of blindness or a physical or mental impairment which results in “marked and severe functional limitations” lasting for a continuous 12 months or longer or which can be expected to result in death. The certification must state that the disability occurred before... Read more
- Can I be over the age of 26 and open an ABLE account?
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Yes. You can be over the age of 26, but must be able to self-certify, or provide a disability certification, that your qualifying disability started before your 26th birthday.*
*The ABLE Age Adjustment Act has been passed, expanding the eligibility age from 26 to 46, beginning January 1, 2026.
- What are the documentation requirements?
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You must self-certify that you have a licensed doctor’s diagnosis and signature or that you have a signed letter from a licensed doctor confirming that you meet the qualifying disability criteria. Proof of documentation could be requested for any audit completed by the Internal Revenue Service.
- What type of disabilities qualify for an account?
- A person with any disability that qualifies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or blindness that developed before the age of 26* is eligible for an account. Some of the conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration that could qualify... Read more
- What do I need to open an account?
- If you’re the beneficiary of the account, make sure you have this information handy: Your email. Your birthday. Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number. Contact details. Proof of eligibility. If you’re an Authorized Legal Representative, you’ll need your information... Read more
- What happens if the beneficiary is no longer eligible for an account?
- If a beneficiary no longer meets eligibility requirements, they no longer qualify for an ABLE account and they (or their account manager) should sign in to their account’s settings and update their eligibility. Their account will remain open and they can continue to use the account until the end of... Read more
