MiAble, a Michigan-based disability savings program held an event at Saginaw Valley State University this past Monday, March 24th, 2025.
The event, which is part of a state-wide outreach roadshow, aimed to inform the local community of its benefits and partnerships, including MiABLE accounts, which open doors to savings and investments to those with disabilities without the dangers of losing important state benefits, such as supplemental security and Medicaid.
In attendance at the event were people such as R. Scott de Varona, MiABLE Program Director, Karen Cramer, Lead Rep Payee, The Arc of Bay County, Jessica Bluhm, Special Education Supervisor and Assistive Technology Coordinator, Saginaw Intermediate School District, Kelsey Hockaday, Associate Director, Disability Network Mid-Michigan, and J.J. Boehm, Executive Director of University Communications, SVSU
MiABLE has a ten-year history within its community, and has empowered people such as Sarah Perez, MiABLE account owner throughout its lifespan.
“Before MiABLE, I felt financially trapped. I couldn’t save money without losing my disability benefits, and it was frustrating,” Perez stated in an interview with Rik Hayman. “MiABLE changed that — allowing me to build financial independence while still maintaining the support I need. Thanks to MiABLE, I was able to invest in a computer to support my passion for photography, which has since turned into a source of income. This program has given me control over my future, and I want others to know they can do the same.”
The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) act was signed into federal law in early 2014, and it’s main objective was to “encourage and assist individuals and families to save, invest, and spend funds for qualified disability expenses for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life; and to provide secure funding for qualified disability expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement – but not supplant, reduce, eliminate, or impact – benefits provided through private insurance, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, the Medicaid program, the beneficiary’s employment and other sources.” according to michigan.gov
MiABLE followed suit in late 2015 as a statewide counterpart, which is currently overseen by Michigan’s department of treasury.
The ABLE act funds can be used for transportation, housing, education, healthcare, legal fees, and much more. The act is applicable to anyone who became disabled before the age of 26 and is any of the following:
- eligible for Social Security disability insurance
- eligible for supplemental security income
- has a US Treasury disability certification
If you, or someone you know could benefit from the MiABLE program, please visit www.MiABLE.org, or https://www.michigan.gov/setwithmet/mi-529/miable
