Protecting Benefits: How ABLE Accounts Help People With Disabilities Save

In this clip, Sofia Cervantes, Advocate with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, explains key public benefits available to individuals with disabilities—including Medi-Cal, IHSS, SSI, SSDI—and why ABLE accounts are an important tool for protecting those benefits. She breaks down how ABLE accounts allow people to save money beyond the $2,000 asset limit without risking eligibility, and how families can compare ABLE programs across states to find the best fit. Sofia also touches on Section 8 housing and why planning ahead matters.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our Supports for Independent Living article.