Today’s Decisions Shape Tomorrow’s Opportunities
By Dennis Milligan

Living with a disability is a life-altering challenge like no other. It’s made more complicated when you add in the financial ramifications, especially when determining eligibility for means-tested benefits such as Medicaid, SSDI, SNAP or TANF. Not being able to save more than $2,000 is a financial burden, and people shouldn’t have to face both.

The Arkansas ABLE plan – which stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience – recognizes the importance of saving for today and tomorrow.  Having a role in helping Arkansans with disabilities take control of their future has been a highlight during my time as your State Treasurer.

The Arkansas ABLE Plan, administered by my office, offers individuals with disabilities and their families an affordable way to save for daily disability-related expenses on a tax-deferred basis, without affecting their eligibility for income-based benefits. Plus, all contributions to an Arkansas ABLE account are tax deductible up to $10,000, according to a state law passed in 2019.

Individuals are able to use their Arkansas ABLE accounts for expenses such as education, housing, transportation, legal fees, assistive technology, employment training and so much more.

My office launched Arkansas ABLE in October of 2018. Since that time, hundreds of Arkansans have opened ABLE accounts and have saved a combined total of nearly $2.5 million. While this is a great start, we know that so many other families can benefit from adding an Arkansas ABLE account to their financial toolbox.

There’s a popular Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” While every day is a good time to start saving, with August being National ABLE to Save Month, why not start now?

We know that the best way to grow awareness is through word of mouth. Our partnerships with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and so many others have helped us spread the message. Now we’re calling on families of individuals with disabilities to help us highlight the benefits of ABLE plans and help raise awareness of this truly valuable program.

Today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s opportunities. Build out your future opportunities by opening and investing in an Arkansas ABLE account today, and help others add the ability to save to their many other abilities.

About the Office of the Arkansas Treasurer of State

Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan’s office administers the Arkansas ABLE program.

For more information or to open an Arkansas ABLE account, please visit https://savewithable.com/ar/home.html