Who can open an ABLE account for an eligible beneficiary?
An adult beneficiary with a qualifying disability can open and manage an ABLE account.
If a beneficiary is under the age of 18 or unable to open an account on their own, they must have an Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR) do it for them. An ALR must be Power of Attorney, the Legal Guardian or Conservator for a beneficiary. If the beneficiary is under the age of 18, the ALR can also be a parent.
Learn more about the role of an ALR
Alternatively, a Social Security Representative Payee who has Power of Attorney can act as an ALR and can open an account for an eligible beneficiary. This can be either an individual or organizational Representative Payee. Either way, a beneficiary can have only one ABLE account at a time.
Wondering who should manage your ABLE account? This chart can help walk you through the decision.
