Greater Flexibility + Less Paperwork = Big Changes!
ABLE News

Greater Flexibility + Less Paperwork = Big Changes!

November 30, 2021

ABLE United is excited to announce several enhancements that will provide additional flexibility and less paperwork during the enrollment process.

Until now, only certain individuals, such as a parent of a minor, a power of attorney (agent), or legal guardian, could serve in an administrative capacity over an ABLE account. This person is often referred to as the Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) of an ABLE account. The IRS recently provided final regulations, broadening the definition of an ALR.

  • Effective immediately, the Beneficiary of an ABLE account who has legal capacity can select an ALR to manage their ABLE account, or it can be the Beneficiary’s agent under a power of attorney, conservator or legal guardian, the spouse, a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, or a representative payee (whether an individual or organization) appointed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), in that order.
  • It is important to note that although there is an expansion on who can open and maintain a Beneficiary’s ABLE account, a Beneficiary is still limited to only one ABLE account nationwide.
  • An ALR can now self-certify that they have authority to establish an ABLE account on behalf of the Beneficiary and that no one higher on the list can establish the account.
  • Please keep documentation on hand in the event ABLE United or the IRS requests this information. In some cases, there could still be a request for additional paperwork for identity verification purposes.

We are thrilled to continue to provide the best ABLE account solution for Floridians with disabilities.