Disability Expenses – Illinois ABLE News & Updates

Abilities Expo/Disability Expenses/Events

IL ABLE Wraps Up Another Great Year at the Chicago Abilities Expo

June 24, 2026June 24, 2026 illinoistreasurer

Thanks to the hundreds of visitors who stopped by the IL ABLE table at last weekend’s Abilities Expo!

A big shout out to IL ABLE Account Owners and panelists at the workshop Bradley Westmaas, Michele Westmaas, Dan McConchie and Carla Vassilos. Thank you for sharing your stories, insights, and answering questions.

Did you miss our standing-room-only ABLE workshop? Watch the video below and learn from actual IL ABLE account owners, the “Why” of opening an IL ABLE Account.

View more highlights from this year’s Abilities Expo!

Get started! Visit IL ABLE to Learn More, Read the Plan Disclosure Booklet, and Open an Account!

Abilities Expo/Disability Expenses/Events/News/Treasurer Michael Frerichs

Find us at the Abilities Expo!

May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 illinoistreasurer

The Chicago Abilities Expo comes to town June 12-14, 2026, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL.

Join Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Friday, June 12 at 11 am as he cuts the ribbon to open the show. After the ribbon cutting, stop by booth #508 to learn how to open an IL ABLE Account to be able to save and invest to be able to pay for many of the products featured at the Abilities Expo. Grab some IL ABLE swag while you are there.

ABLE Facts/Account Management/Disability Expenses/Special Education

3 Special Education Back-to-School Tips

August 18, 2025September 8, 2025 illinoistreasurer

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:

lots of coins on table that have poured out of a glass jar

Account Management/Disability Expenses/Withdrawals

Paying for Qualified Disability Expenses

February 14, 2025February 10, 2025 illinoistreasurer

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.

Account Management/Disability Expenses/True Stories

Meet Tom – IL ABLE Account Owner

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 illinoistreasurer

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?

Disability Expenses/Special Olympics Illinois/True Stories

Illinois Family Dreams Big with IL ABLE Account

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022 illinoistreasurer

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.

ABLE Facts/Account Management/Disability Expenses

Summer Fun is Within Reach

June 18, 2022June 30, 2022 illinoistreasurer

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.

Read More “Summer Fun is Within Reach”

Disability Expenses/Investing Basics

Springtime is a Great Time to Plan Ahead with IL ABLE

May 20, 2022August 19, 2022 illinoistreasurer

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?

ABLE Facts/Disability Expenses/Federal Benefits/Special Olympics Illinois/True Stories

Special Olympics Illinois & IL ABLE partner to help families

June 18, 2021 illinoistreasurer

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.

Disability Expenses

What Disability Expenses Do You Want to Save For?

July 7, 2018November 9, 2018 illinoistreasurer

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.

Category: Disability Expenses