Does having an account affect my other benefits?

No. Through Vermont ABLE, you can open and maintain a STABLE account while keeping your federal and state benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, HUD Assistance, Section 8, etc.). If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there is a $100,000 limit before funds start counting against your $2,000 asset limit. As long as the money withdrawn is used for eligible expenses, it will not count towards the limit.

Don’t forget that all housing expenses must be paid in the same month the money is withdrawn to keep your benefits. All other benefits, like Section 8, are protected regardless of the amount saved in the account.