Who can open an ABLE account?

ABLE accounts can be opened for eligible U.S. citizens and legal residents living in any state in the United States, regardless of whether the state has an ABLE program. 

An adult beneficiary with a qualifying disability can open and manage a Maryland ABLE account or have an Authorized Legal Representative do it for them. 

If a beneficiary is under the age of 18, they must have an Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR) open an account for them. An ALR must be able to show a valid Power of Attorney, Legal Guardianship documentation, or be a parent of a beneficiary under the age of 18. A Social Security Representative Payee does not qualify as an ALR and cannot open an account for an eligible beneficiary unless they also have a valid Power of Attorney. Learn more about the ALR role here

Remember, a beneficiary can only have one ABLE account at a time.