Physically and mentally disabled residents of Pennsylvania can have a checking, savings or investment account without worrying about losing any services they receive.

The PA ABLE account is available through the state treasury, and anyone with a qualifying disability can sign up for an account online.

The program was created so that those receiving a federal benefit — including Medicaid, and in some cases Social Security — won't exceed the income limits set for those benefits.

Individuals or families and guardians of those with a disability can open an account with a minimum deposit of $25. There are no fees associated with opening a PA ABLE account.

Friends and family can make deposits into the account, which has an annual maximum not to exceed $15,000. Those deposits are deductible on the donor's state income taxes.

Fifth Third Bank holds all PA ABLE accounts.

In years past, those with disabilities could not save money because it would be counted in their maximum earned income.

If that amount exceeded the income maximum for various services, disabled individuals could lose their medical assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), federal student aid, housing assistance or other government benefits.

Also, PA ABLE account holders are not required to pay federal or state income taxes on growth on their savings while in the account or when withdrawn to pay for qualified disability expenses.

“PA ABLE represents a fresh approach to building the financial security of people with disabilities,” State Treasurer Joe Torsella said. “I'm thrilled that Pennsylvanians now have this opportunity.”

Local support

County professionals who deal with the disabled agree.

Steve Sarnese, intellectual disabilities employment specialist for county human services, said PA ABLE accounts allow those with disabilities to save for special equipment or other items they need because of their disability, and they don't have to worry that those savings will affect the services they receive.

He said having a PA ABLE account also helps those with disabilities who want to work, because they can deposit their earnings into that protected account.

“Especially for people who are just starting to explore the employment world, because it allows them to earn a fair wage without them fearing they will lose their services,” Sarnese said. “I highly recommend that families explore it if they think it is something that could potentially benefit them in the long-run.”

He said the PA ABLE program will be valuable moving forward, as Gov. Tom Wolf's Employment First laws are more and more effective.

The Employment First Act of June 2018 requires agencies to work together to provide employment opportunities for those with disabilities when they graduate from high school.

Those employees could deposit their earnings into a PA ABLE account and continue to receive the services they need.

Many unaware of program

Sarnese said he feels many families in Butler County are unaware of the PA ABLE program and its value to disabled family members.

Sallie Holmes, fiscal coordinator with The Arc of Butler County, helps Arc clients and their families sign up for PA ABLE accounts.

She said most clients and their families sign up for the savings account so they do not exceed the $15,000 limit for the PA ABLE checking account, which could mean losing their benefits.

Holmes stressed that withdrawals from the savings account must be for expenses related to the disability, so she always counsels clients and families to keep receipts.

She agreed that many qualifying families and individuals are unaware of the PA ABLE program, but others may be afraid to sign up.

“I think people either don't know about it or don't realize how easy it is and they are scared of it,” Holmes said.

She said all families with a disabled loved one should check out the PA ABLE program.

“I think it's great because it gives them an option to save money without it penalizing them,” Holmes said. “I think everyone should be entitled to have some savings.”

More information on the PA ABLE program is available at www.paable.gov.