Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha

At Enable, we work to empower individuals with disabilities through financial independence. Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to your savings journey. The most successful monetary strategies are those grounded in a comprehensive understanding of what your choices are and how you can utilize your savings plan to maximize your potential for growth.

To help you stay informed about your Enable account, we answered some of the most common questions we receive from our Account Owners. Read on to learn more.

What is considered a qualified disability expense (QDE)?

Under the Able Act, a QDE is an expense related to the disability of the Eligible Individual. This covers a wide range of categories that extend beyond medical expenses, including those such as education, service animals, housing, transportation, financial management and administrative services and basic living expenses. For the full list of qualifying expenses visit: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130740

How can I withdraw money from my Enable account?

There are numerous ways to withdraw funds for qualified disability expenses. Money withdrawn from the Growth, Moderate, Conservative or Bank Savings Investment Option can be sent by check to the Account Owner or a third party, or transferred electronically to a personal bank account on file.

Prescheduled withdrawals can also be set up through the Systematic Withdrawal service, which allows one to send money systematically to an individual or company for items such as monthly bills.

If you are interested in withdrawing money that has been contributed into the Checking Investment Option, you may either withdraw those funds by writing a check or using the debit card you received when you chose to invest in the Checking Investment Option. If you would like to write checks, you can order them from Enable or a vendor of your choice. Please note that checks and debit cards may not be used to withdraw from any other Investment Option.

For more information on how to withdraw from your Enable account, please click here.

Can only the beneficiary contribute money to their Enable account?

Anyone can contribute to an Account Owner’s Enable account (family members, friends, a trust or estate, partnership, association, company or a corporation), so long as the total amount per tax year does not exceed $15,000. Federal Law allows certain Account Owners to make contributions beyond the annual limit of $15,000 from earned income. Refer to the Program Disclosure Statement for more information. Should family and friends wish to join in on the savings journey, an easy way to do so is through an Enable gift certificate contribution.

Are any of the Investment Options FDIC-insured?

Yes, the Bank Savings and Checking Investment Options are FDIC-insured up to the maximum amount permitted by law. To learn more about the variety of Investment Options the Enable Savings Plan offers, or to change your Investment Options, visit enablesavings.com and follow the “Investments” tab.

Can I switch my Investment Options? How many can I select to use?

Account Owners can choose any mix of Investment Options and can switch their Investment Options twice per calendar year. If an Account Owner chooses more than one type of Investment Option, they must indicate the percentage amount of the contribution to be associated with that Investment Option. Keep in mind that the total percentage of the chosen Investment Option(s) must add up to 100%.

Do you have a question that is not listed above? Our Program Disclosure Statement is a great resource to answer any additional questions you may have.

As always, if you would like further clarification, the Enable team is happy to field inquiries. Contact us at 1-844-362-2534 or clientservices@enablesavings.com.