IL ABLE & Public Benefits

An Eligible Individual doesn't have to be receiving public benefits to own an IL ABLE Account, but if they are receiving, or planning to apply for public benefits, an IL ABLE Account can protect savings from asset caps.

  • Savings in an IL ABLE Account are not counted in determining entitlement to any federal needs-based benefits. This includes such programs as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), housing assistance programs, and federal financial aid for higher education.
  • Account balances up to $100,000 in an IL ABLE Account will not affect SSI benefits. At $100,000, SSI benefits payments are temporarily suspended until the Account balance falls below $100,000, and benefits resume. Account Owners will not have to reapply for SSI benefits.
  • Even if the IL ABLE Account exceeds $100,000, beneficiaries will not lose other benefits like Medicaid or SSDI.
  • Funds withdrawn from the IL ABLE Account to use for housing expenses must be spent within the same month the withdrawal is made, or the Account Owner's SSI benefits may be affected.
  • Assets in an IL ABLE Account are not subject to certain Medicaid recovery requirements.
  • Federal law gives state Medicaid agencies authority to recover certain benefits from a Medicaid beneficiary’s estate. See the Plan Disclosure Booklet and check with your public benefits specialist about an Account Owner’s specific circumstances.

Read the Plan Disclosure Booklet.