131st DISTRICT

Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, recently announced tax-free savings accounts aimed at helping people with disabilities save money for future care and services are now available through the Pennsylvania Treasury.

The Pennsylvania Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts are structured similar to tuition savings accounts and allow people with disabilities, their family members and friends to contribute up to $14,000 per year to a maximum account limit of $511,758. Once that limit is reached, accounts can continue to earn interest.

Withdrawals will be exempt from state and federal income taxes as long as the funds are used for “qualified disability expenses.” These include, but are not limited to, education, housing, transportation, employment training/support and assistive technology.

To receive the benefits of the program, the qualifying disability must have started prior to age 26. Qualifying disabilities are demonstrated by:

* Entitlement to Supplemental Security Income benefits based on blindness or disability

* Entitlement to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits based on blindness or disability

* Self-certification of a similarly severe disability, if not entitled to SSI or SSDI

For additional information or assistance, contact Simmons’ district office at 610-282-0160 or visit the website RepSimmons,.com.