Frequently asked questions
Scroll down to see answers to things we get asked a lot. If you're looking for something specific, enter or choose a keyword below.
- About ABLE
- ALR
- Benefits
- Contributions
- Eligibility
- Gifting
- How the account works
- Linking bank accounts
- Opening an account
- Qualified expenses
- Successors and Estates
- Tax benefits
- 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... Read more
- Can a Social Security Representative Payee open an account for a beneficiary?
- To have a Representative Payee open an account for you, they must meet the requirements of an Authorized Legal Representative (as a Power of Attorney, parent or legal guardian). Because the role of Representative Payee is specific and unique to Social Security benefits, it doesn't apply to ABLE... Read more
- Are there age restrictions to open an account?
- An adult beneficiary can open an account for themselves. If a beneficiary is under the age of 18, they must have an Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR) do it for them. An ALR must be able to show a valid Power of Attorney or Legal Guardianship documentation, or be a parent of a... Read more
- Who owns the account?
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The account is owned by the beneficiary, regardless of whether they opened the account or it’s managed by an Authorized Legal Representative. The funds in the account belong to the beneficiary.
- Can someone else access my account?
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To keep the account safe, don’t share your password or let someone else have access to your account, unless they are the Authorized Legal Representative. If you want to add, change, or remove the Authorized Legal Representative for the account, we have forms to help you with the process.
- Does the Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) own the account with the beneficiary?
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No. No matter who opens the account, the beneficiary owns all of the funds.
- Can there be more than one Authorized Legal Representative (ALR)?
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There can only be one Authorized Legal Representative per account, but you can transfer an ALR by filling out this form or calling us at 1-855-5MD-ABLE (1-855-563-2253) from 9am-8pm ET.
- Can I open and/or manage more than one Maryland ABLE account?
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Yes, you can open and manage multiple accounts for beneficiaries if you are their Authorized Legal Representative.
Remember that each beneficiary can have only one ABLE account open at a time. Each Maryland ABLE account can be connected to one or more bank accounts.
- How do I manage bank accounts for multiple beneficiaries?
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If you are managing ABLE accounts for more than one beneficiary, you can use the same banking information on multiple accounts. The bank account has to be added to each plan account individually.
