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.

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?

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?

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.

Can I open and/or manage more than one Maryland ABLE account?

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 different bank accounts with multiple beneficiaries?
You have plenty of options when it comes to managing multiple banks and/or beneficiaries. If you’re an ALR of more than one account, you can use the same banking information on multiple Maryland ABLE accounts, as long as you own or are the Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) of those... Read more