IAble Celebrates 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

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State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald

DES MOINES, IA (07/08/2020) (readMedia)-- This July marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, administrator of Iowa's ABLE plan, IAble, is recognizing this as an opportunity to celebrate. "2020 has been a significant year for individuals in the disability community and their families," said Fitzgerald. "January marked three years since the inception of IAble and this month celebrates 30 years of the ADA. Together, these pieces of legislation are providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to break down barriers once placed upon them."

For individuals with disabilities, the ADA increases inclusion in all aspects of community life and IAble allows them to save for qualified expenses while maintaining their federal benefits. "The main reason we see individuals and families saving with an IAble account is their ability to maintain benefits," Fitzgerald said. "Being able to save above the income limits for Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, while also maintaining those benefits, is crucial. Plus, IAble offers tax incentives to the account owner and their loved ones."

IAble was introduced after the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) act was passed federally, allowing states to create their own ABLE plans for eligible individuals with disabilities. The funds in an IAble account can be used to pay for qualified disability-related expenses such as education, healthcare, housing, assistive technology and more.*

Any Iowa taxpayer who contributes to an IAble account, not just the account owner, can deduct up to $3,439 in contributions from their 2020 adjusted gross income.** Additionally, earnings on IAble accounts are federally tax-deferred and state tax-free, if used for qualified disability expenses.

Treasurer Fitzgerald started IAble in 2017 and helped grow the plan to where it is today. IAble has grown to over 790 accounts with an average account size of $7,147 and holds over $5.6 million in total assets.

For more information about IAble, please visit IAble.gov or call (888) 609-8910. You can keep up with all of the Treasurer's programs on Facebook and Twitter.

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* Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as applicable state and local income taxes.

** The Federal Annual Contribution Limit is $15,000. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. Adjusted annually for inflation.