Illinois ABLE Checks in with an Account Owner
Last year, IL ABLE account owner Tim had just finished college when he told his story about having his IL ABLE account. With a year of life and IL ABLE experience under his belt, we check back in with Tim this month to get an update:
IL ABLE: What have you been doing since college Tim?
Tim: During my college career, I studied to work as a Paraprofessional Educator in the schools for students with disabilities. Once I graduated from college, I got a job as a Paraprofessional Educator for middle school and high school students with disabilities. That job kept me very busy all year and I learned a lot from my first year working in the schools.
IL ABLE: What kinds of things do you use your ABLE account for?
Tim: Right now I use my IL ABLE checking account option to pay rent and for some other expenses. I use it for savings as well. I have a checking account with another bank and I have to be careful not to let the balance in that account get to $2,000 or I will lose my benefits. I know that I won’t lose my benefits in my ABLE account when the balance reaches more than $2,000, so sometimes I transfer funds from my other checking account to my IL ABLE checking to stay under $2,000. I hear that I can have my paycheck and other funds direct-deposited into my IL ABLE account, and I might look into that.
IL ABLE: Do you like having an ABLE account?
Tim: I like that I’m the owner of my ABLE account. My parents can access my statements and they can talk with customer service if I ever need help, but I think I’m doing a pretty good job managing my account so far. I’m getting better and better at understanding all about budgeting and taking care of my benefits and my accounts. I have been feeling more independent and more responsible in my new life after college.
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