autism
Q: What is a STABLE Account and how do I know if I’m eligible? How can I use the money in my STABLE Account?
A: STABLE stands for State Treasury ABLE. It is an account for individuals with disabilities that is generally not counted as a resource when determining Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility. Although STABLE is the name for the Ohio program established after the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was passed, it is not limited to Ohio residents. A STABLE Account is not a trust. To open a STABLE Account, a person must qualify as an “eligible individual,” which means that the person developed his or her disability prior to the age of 26. Additionally, an eligible individual must be entitled to SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), have a condition listed on the Social Security Administration’s List of Compassionate Allowances, or be able to “self-certify” the disability and diagnosis. STABLE’s enrollment is only available online and offers an eligibility quiz to help individuals identify if he or she is eligible to enroll.
A STABLE Account can receive combined deposits of up to $14,000 per year from any source, including the eligible individual. The maximum amount that can be contributed over the eligible individual’s lifetime is equal to the sponsoring state’s 529 plan, which in Ohio is $426,000; however, the Account balance over $100,000 will be considered a resource if the eligible individual is also an SSI recipient.
The eligible individual has direct access to the funds in the STABLE Account and can even request a reloadable prepaid debit card. It is the responsibility of the eligible individual to use the funds correctly. STABLE Accounts should only be used for qualified disability expenses, which are expenses incurred when the person was an eligible individual, the expense relates to the disability, and the expense helps the eligible individual maintain or improve his or her health, independence, or quality of life. Examples include housing, transportation, education, assistive technology, employment training, legal fees, personal support services, health and wellness, and financial management. If an eligible individual expends funds from the STABLE Account for non-qualified disability expenses, the eligible individual will pay income tax, plus a 10% penalty, on the earnings of the non-qualified distribution. An improper distribution from a STABLE Account could also be counted as income when determining the individual’s eligibility for means-tested government benefits, like Medicaid or SSI, so understanding the rules and keeping accurate records is important.
For more information or to establish a STABLE Account, visit www.stableaccount.com or call 800-439-1653.
-Amanda M. Buzo, Esq.
Amanda M. Buzo, Esq., is the Executive Director of Community Fund Management Foundation, a non-profit special needs trust advisor. Prior to joining CFMF, Amanda was a special needs and estate planning attorney.
[Opening photo: stableaccount.com]
I want to start out the story by focusing on present day. A flash forward of sorts.
We are the lucky parents of a wonderful 12-year-old girl. She enjoys her adapted dance class, ice skating, playing with her IPad, eating sushi and dressing up. We are in a good place in that we can communicate with each other, express our frustrations verbally and actually play together in ways I did not always think possible.
Knowing these things about my girl Cora is a big deal.
Looking back a few years, when Cora was 2 1/2, my husband and I faced our denial that something was not right. The typical baby and toddler books were not working. Our daughter was not “The Happiest Baby on the Block” and techniques from the Super Nanny reruns were failing miserably.
Eventually we found ourselves at a doctor’s office receiving an autism diagnosis. As freaked out as I was with the diagnosis, at least we now knew and could get a plan together to deal with it. I was eager to hear what the next steps were. I was looking for the doctor to give us a “treatment plan” like I had received from every other doctor visit up to this point. For example, “Take two aspirins and call me in the morning” or “Eat right and exercise.”
Unfortunately, that straightforward medical advice I was looking for did not happen. But we did get a web address to an organization called Milestones Autism Resources.
After coming to terms with the diagnosis and what it meant for us as a family, we found ourselves at the Milestones website. Keep in mind, the World Wide Web has many sites about autism, but for us, milestones.org was a bridge to help get our daughter to where we are today.
For example, we found local resources, references to services and most importantly a notice about a parent training series. This series became the foundation of that plan that we were longing for. It was at that Milestones training where we connected with other parents and realized we were not alone. We were presented with techniques that we could practice and use to reach Cora. We were shown how to motivate her, how to break down play tasks to small steps to build success and eventually implement techniques to help her expand her language and social skills. Most importantly, with Milestones, we were provided a safe place to ask questions and knowledgeable people to help answer them.
Over the next few years, through doctor appointments, therapy social groups, token boards, PEC charts, etc. — we are where we are today. And through my daughter’s hard work and support from Milestones, we can tell you that although it was not a journey that we asked for, it is a journey we were able to navigate because of the accessible and affordable resources and training from Milestones.
Even now, when I start to stress about what my daughter’s transition to adulthood will look like, I know we will not be on this road on our own. I know I can reach out to the phenomenal team at Milestones and ask them for guidance and support.
-Carrie Gedeon
[Opening photo: multipleXposure photography]
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in our 5th Annual Strike It Big for Milestones Bowling Extravaganza yesterday at Buckeye Lanes in North Olmsted and Freeway Lanes in Solon.
It was a wonderful turnout at both locations and fun for the whole family with bowling, face painting, balloon making, food & drink, a raffle and appearances by Superheroes to Kids, Heroes United 4 Kids, Nina Jacobs, Slider the Mascot, Swifty the Clown, and Danimal Dan.
We also wanted to extend a tremendous thank you to our incredible sponsors who helped make our event a smashing success! Davis Automotive Group, Hickman & Lowder Co., LPA, Morgan Stanley, Ganley Subaru East, Robert W. Baird & Co., Fairview Park City Schools, The Irvin Family, The Mazel Company, Reminger Co., LPA, Sherwin-Williams, Swagelok, Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Club, and Westlake City School District.
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Our 5th Annual Strike It Big Bowling Extravaganza is just two weeks away!
The event, presented by Davis Automotive Group, will take place Sunday, April 23 from 11 am to 3 pm at Freeway Lanes of Solon and Buckeye Lanes in North Olmsted. In addition to bowling, there will be food, face painting, balloon animals, a raffle and opportunity to learn more about autism.
Proceeds will directly support local families impacted by autism through Milestones’ free Autism Helpdesk, a service that allows families to call professional staff for guidance, local resources and information at each and every stage of their child’s development.
Hear about this fun-filled day from some our families who have attended in the past.
“Our whole family really enjoys the Milestones Strike It fundraiser. My husband and I love that it’s a comfortable and judgement-free event. And our kids have a blast bowling and just running around being silly. It is so nice to be with other families who are on similar journeys. We are really looking forward to this year’s event!” –Leslie Dorsey
“As a School Psychologist, I’ve referred many families to Milestones for resources in our community. Parents have shared immense satisfaction with the information they’ve received over the years. The Milestones office and website provides functional and helpful information for parents, family members, guardians, individuals with ASD, educators, administrators, medical & legal professionals and safety professionals (police & fire departments) that is extremely valuable. I find the yearly conference to be beneficial as well and thoroughly enjoy the myriad of sessions available. I’ve learned SO MUCH over the past 10+ years and enjoy sharing with my colleagues, students and their families!” – Edie Ungar-Shafron
“Milestones is an invaluable resource to members of our local ASD community who are looking for support, education and coaching. Strike it Big is a fun, family-friendly bowling event for everyone and the money raised allows Milestones to continue its mission. Everyone in attendance enjoys this day – from very young children to older adults. It feels good knowing that we are making an impact in the lives of children and adults in the autism community.” –Allison McMeechan, Strike It Big Event Chair
“Our family has been so inspired and humbled to be a part of fundraising for Milestones. The Strike It Big Event is a wonderful opportunity to have fun, meet wonderful people, and share stories, while helping such a great cause. We would encourage anyone to participate in this family friendly and enjoyable event.” -Kristen, Shawn, Noah and Emma West
This month we will be sharing content to support and celebrate our community. Today we highlight the facts:
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