Key Differences
Purpose & Use
ABLE Account: Designed for individuals with a disability onset before age 26 (or age 46 under 2026 expansion) who receive SSI/SSDI or have a disability certification. Funds can be used for Qualified Disability Expenses (QDEs) like therapy, equipment, education, housing, transportation, and more.
SNT:
Protects assets from being counted in Medicaid/SSI means tests.
Covers supplemental needs (e.g., recreation, travel, personal items) not covered by public benefits. Can be first‑party (funded with the beneficiary’s own assets) or third‑party (funded by family/other assets).
Contribution Limits
ABLE:
Annual limit ~$19,000 (2026), total account cap ~$100K (SSI‑safe)
SNT:
No annual or lifetime contribution limits.
References:
1. Special Needs Trust By State
2. ABLE National Resource Center
3. Dependent Financial Planning
Summarized by Lili Vasileff, CFP, MAFF, CDFA
www.wealthprotectionmanagement.com
