What is the ABLE Act?

Posted on December 10, 2014 at 12:00pm by

If your child has suffered a birth injury, you should be aware that new legislation has been approved that allows people to place money in accounts similar to college saving plans to cover living expenses.

According to the Associated Press, Congress has passed the ABLE Act, which allows for people with disabilities to save money and open tax-free savings accounts. The bill is the most “sweeping legislation to help the disabled in a quarter century.”

The bill has received bipartisan support, as Senate passed the measure by a 76-16 vote and the House passed it by an overwhelming majority, 404-17. “This is a monumental, landmark bill,” said Sara Hart Weir, the interim president of the National Down Syndrome Society, according to the AP.

ABLE stands for the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act—it is estimated that the legislation will allow an estimated 54 million Americans with disabilities to setup savings accounts.

To qualify, a person would have to be diagnosed by the age 26 with a disability that results in “marked and severe functional limitations” or receive Social Security Disability benefits.

ABLE allows people to establish savings accounts for daily and long-term expenses and contribute up to $14,000 annually, with tax-free interest.

Should I Speak to an Attorney If My Child Suffers a Birth Injury?

This is good news for people who are disabled. Unfortunately, many children are injured because of botched deliveries and/or poor medical care. Each birth trauma attorney at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP is here to help you during this difficult time. Your child should not have to suffer because of negligence.

If you need to speak to a lawyer about your son or daughter’s complications, contact our birth injury attorneys. We can determine if you may be entitled to damages. These injuries can include cerebral palsy and/or brain injuries.

Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – Birth Injury Attorneys

Source: http://www.autismdailynewscast.com/able-act-passed-by-senate/20039/laurel-joss/