Zach and KC Share Their IL ABLE Story
For people with disabilities, saving in an IL ABLE Account can provide benefits beyond the account balance. It can support greater independence, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.
In this interview, IL ABLE Account Owners Zach and KC, along with their mother, Micki, explain how their accounts help them save, manage their money, and prepare for future needs.
accessABLE: Why did you choose to open IL ABLE accounts for Zach and KC?
Micki: I opened IL ABLE accounts to help my sons understand that they can save money instead of spending it right away. I wanted them—and still want them—to feel a sense of accomplishment when they receive a paycheck and save part of what they earn.
accessABLE: Zach and KC, do you work? Do you save any of your earnings in your IL ABLE accounts?
Zach: Yes, I work at a Jewel grocery store. I have more than one job there. Most of the year, I bag and push carts. In the springtime, I am in charge of the outside plants people buy. I have been there since 2013. Before that, I was at Dominick’s for 13 years. I like what I do. My earnings go into my regular checking Account. But I move money into ABLE when I have a lot of money in my checking Account.
Editor’s Note: You can have your paycheck deposited directly into your IL ABLE checking Account. Then you have less to worry about when it comes to avoiding the $2,000 asset cap in a regular checking Account.
KC: I had a job, but when the pandemic started, that job went away. I did put some of the money I earned into the IL ABLE Account.
Editor’s note: Some Account owners who work can save more. Learn about ABLE to Work.
accessABLE: Micki, how easy or difficult was it to open your sons’ IL ABLE accounts?
Micki: Opening the accounts was very easy. The IL ABLE customer service representatives I spoke with by phone were extremely helpful.
Editor’s note: IL ABLE customer service is available by phone at 1-888-609-8683, 8 am – 5 pm, or by email at il.clientservice@savewithable.com.
accessABLE: As a parent, what are some of your hopes and dreams for your sons?
Micki: I hope both of my sons have a strong sense of self-worth. That includes taking pride in their work and in the money they earn.
Their IL ABLE accounts allow them to use their earnings to buy things they may not have been able to afford on their own. Knowing that they paid for something themselves, rather than having a parent buy it, means the world to them. It gives them greater independence and more control over their money.
accessABLE: How does having an IL ABLE Account for them help you to achieve these dreams? What types of expenses does it help to pay for?
Micki: My sons have used money from their accounts to buy furniture, including a new mattress and box spring. They have also paid for special recreation programs, trips, laptops, and transportation to work, including Uber rides.
accessABLE: What do you like to do for fun? Are you saving for anything special?
Zach: I like spending time with friends and going to Six Flags Great America. I am not saving for anything special right now.
KC: I enjoy Special Olympics and spending time with my girlfriend. I am saving for something big, but I do not have a specific purchase planned right now.
Editor’s note: Learn more about spending with IL ABLE.
accessABLE: You are both Special Olympics Illinois athletes. What sports do you each participate in? What is your favorite sport?
Zach: I am also a Global Messenger for Special Olympics Illinois. I do downhill skiing, swimming, basketball, volleyball, bocce, and track and field. I don’t have a favorite sport.
KC: For Special Olympics, my favorite sport is basketball. But I also do snowshoe racing, track and field, volleyball, softball, and bowling.
accessABLE: What do you think other families should know about IL ABLE accounts?
Micki: Many families must closely monitor the bank account balances of loved ones who receive public benefits. Before ABLE accounts were available, families might feel pressured to spend money when an account balance approached the resource limit—even when there was no immediate or important need. An IL ABLE account can help avoid that situation. It allows a person with a disability to save money until it is truly needed or until there is an opportunity to buy something that brings joy or supports greater independence.
accessABLE: Zach and KC, what would you like other people with disabilities to know about IL ABLE accounts?
Zach: My IL ABLE account allows me to save more money than I could before. I like knowing that I can save for activities and things that help me. I live in a townhome and have used money from my IL ABLE account for home-related expenses. Being able to pay for those expenses makes me feel more independent.
KC:
My IL ABLE account lets me save money over time and use it for something special, such as recreation programs and trips. It feels good to save my own money. I would tell other people with disabilities who are considering opening an IL ABLE account to go ahead and do so.
Thank you, Micki, Zach, and KC!
Join the IL ABLE team in cheering on Zach and all the athletes competing in the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games from June 17–19. IL ABLE staff will be available on Saturday at Horton Field House and the bocce competition to answer questions and share information.
Download the IL ABLE PDF “What Type of Investor Are You?” tips sheet here: What Type of Investor Are You?
Learn More About IL ABLE
Explore how an IL ABLE Account can help you save for qualified disability-related expenses.
- Visit the IL ABLE website
- Review the Plan Disclosure Booklet
- Explore IL ABLE Investment Options
- Open an IL ABLE Account
For assistance, call 888-609-8683 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm CT, or email il.clientservice@savewithable.com. Support is available in multiple languages and for callers who are deaf or hard of hearing.