News and Updates from the Illinois State Treasurer's ABLE Plan
Important Information for Students with IEPs
With summer heat lingering across Illinois, it is hard to believe a new school year has already begun. As students with disabilities return to the classroom to learn and build their knowledge and skills, this is a perfect time for parents and guardians to build their knowledge about their children’s financial futures. Here are three tips to get you started:
IL ABLE had a great time at the Abilities Expo!
Were you among the thousands of visitors to the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, IL last weekend? From the moment the doors opened Friday to the closing minutes Sunday, Expo visitors engaged with IL ABLE in a myriad of ways: waving an IL ABLE sign at the ribbon cutting; learning about IL ABLE Accounts at a workshop; filling out enrollment forms or asking questions and collecting cool merch at our IL ABLE booth all weekend.
4 Easy Ways to Make Withdrawals from an IL ABLE Account
Funds in an IL ABLE Account can be used to pay for Qualified Disability Expenses, which are any expenses that help to improve the health, independence, or quality of life of the Account Owner. Here are four ways to make a withdrawal request to pay for a Qualified Disability Expense.
Watch and hear how he “Makes It Happen with His IL ABLE Account.”
Meet Tom, an active IL ABLE Account Owner. He uses the funds in his Account to pay for things he needs to stay fit and healthy. Did you know that expenses for “health and wellness” are just a few of the types of “Qualified Disability Expenses” that funds in an IL ABLE Account can pay for?
Pisani family saves for short and long-term disability expenses
IL ABLE accounts can help people with disabilities save money for a variety of expenses, from everyday groceries to planning for larger purchases that improve quality of life and increase independence for the Account Owner. The editors of accessABLE News & Updates recently connected with Special Olympics Illinois athlete and IL ABLE Account Owner Louis Pisani and his mom Kish to learn about how IL ABLE helps Louis save for his future and build his independence.
Your IL ABLE account can help you make the most out of summer
Summer has arrived and with it, endless possibilities for summer fun! While the warm weather can mean free time outside, a lot of activities will cost money. Whether you will be spending time at your local pool, taking a family road trip to see friends, camping at your favorite state park, or going to summer camp your IL ABLE account may be able to be used to cover these expenses and help you make the most of your summer.
Save for your child’s short and long-term needs
Spring is in full bloom – grass is green, the trees are blossoming, and the school year is winding down. For some, this means going through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) review to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and to look ahead to the next school year. This is also a great time to review your child’s short and longer-term financial needs. For example, will they need additional therapies or educational supports in the coming year? Is transition planning within sight?
Read More “Springtime is a Great Time to Plan Ahead with IL ABLE”
This Athlete and Global Messenger is Building Physical & Financial Wellness On and Off the Field
When 21-year-old Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) Global Messenger Michael Williams collaborated on an Autism Awareness Month video, he was filling pandemic time to build communications skills while waiting to return to in-person SOILL competition. “Michael is not as interested in the virtual activities, so he is looking forward to entering more Special Olympics events in-person,” said Dawn Williams, Michael’s mom, and coach of several of Michael’s teams.
Read More “Special Olympics Illinois & IL ABLE partner to help families”
As an Illinois ABLE account owner, you can select from six investment options based on your needs and goals, in addition to an optional checking account. Your Illinois ABLE account gives you the flexibility to select the option that makes the most sense to you. The ABLE checking account option can be used for ongoing expenses that require easy access to funds, such as weekly therapy appointments.
Read More “What Disability Expenses Do You Want to Save For?”