Getting started.
Who this helps
Applicants must live in Maine, have a disability that began before age 46, and have no other ABLE account. They must receive SSI or SSDI, qualify for those benefits but not receive them only because of resource limits, or meet Social Security’s disability standard and have a letter from a licensed physician.
How to get started
Enroll through ABLE ME using its self-attestation process. The account is a bank checking account, not an investment account.
Check eligibility.
Live in Maine, have had your disability before age 46, and have no other ABLE account. Meet an SSI or SSDI path, or Social Security’s disability standard with a licensed physician’s letter.
Gather your tax ID.
Have the beneficiary’s Social Security number or taxpayer identification number ready.
Apply online.
Use the Apply Online link on Bangor Savings Bank’s ABLE Eligibility page and complete the ABLE ME self-attestation process.
How they can help.
The Maine State Treasurer maintains ABLE ME, and Bangor Savings Bank administers it. Enrollment uses self-attestation. The account is a checking account with a debit card and does not offer investment options.
- Savings for qualified education and housing expenses
- Savings for disability-related transportation costs
- Assistive technology and related services
- Maine ABLE Benefit Checking account with a debit card
- May help protect eligibility for some federal means-tested benefits
A few questions before you go.
Have the beneficiary’s Social Security number or taxpayer identification number ready.
- Which expenses count as qualified disability expenses?
- Could an ABLE account affect my benefits?
- What information should I have ready to open the account?
- Can a trusted person manage the account for me?