Treasurer Sprague, Lucas County Announce STABLE Account Partnership
New partnership makes it easier for county employees living with disabilities to save and invest directly from their paychecks
COLUMBUS – In a county commissioners meeting today, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague and Lucas County officials announced a partnership that will make it easier for county employees to take advantage of STABLE accounts. The measure allows eligible employees to opt-in to have a portion of their paycheck deposited directly into a STABLE account for themselves or a qualifying family member.
“STABLE accounts are life-changers, as they empower individuals living with disabilities to save and invest without having to fear the loss of critical means-tested benefits,” said Treasurer Sprague. “By partnering with us to provide a STABLE Account Payroll Direct Deposit option for employees and their families, Lucas County is demonstrating its commitment to individuals living with disabilities while working to promote a more inclusive workplace,” said Treasurer Sprague. “I want to thank the Lucas County Commissioners, Auditor Anita Lopez, and Treasurer Lindsay Webb for recognizing the importance of such a partnership and helping to make it happen.”
A STABLE account is a specialized savings and investment account for people living with disabilities that allows them to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain means-tested benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
“STABLE accounts empower individuals to prepare for the future and save long-term for critical disability expenses for themselves or a family member,” Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken said. “The money from that account can be used for housing, transportation, education, and employment training, which are essential for an individual’s independence and quality of life. We encourage our employees who qualify to take advantage of this benefit.”
Treasurer Sprague has made it a priority to partner with employers to provide the STABLE Account Payroll Direct Deposit benefit to Ohioans. In 2019, Treasurer Sprague announced a collaboration with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services to provide eligible State of Ohio employees with the opportunity to direct a portion of their paychecks into STABLE accounts. In addition, several other public and private sector employers have also partnered with the Treasurer’s office to offer the benefit to employees. Lucas County is the sixth Ohio county to provide the payroll direct deposit option to employees.
“Anyone with a qualifying disability can invest in a STABLE account, but we want to make sure Lucas County employees know about this benefit and can access it easily,” Lucas County Treasurer Lindsay Webb said. “It’s important that our hardworking employees or their family members are set up for success in the future, and this partnership helps them do that.”
Since taking office in January 2019, Treasurer Sprague has more than tripled the size of the STABLE Account program, and today, there are more than 33,000 active accounts. Through the program, accountholders can save up to $17,000 each year without jeopardizing federal assistance, and if the accountholder is employed, they can save an additional $13,590 per year.
The STABLE Account program was launched in 2016 following passage of the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. Prior to STABLE accounts, people living with disabilities could only save a total of $2,000 before losing their benefits. Earnings on a STABLE account grow tax-free and are not subject to federal income tax, so long as they are spent on Qualified Disability Expenses. Qualified Disability Expenses include education, housing, transportation, healthcare, assistive technology, basic living expenses, and other items.
For more information about STABLE accounts and to sign up, visit www.stableaccount.com.
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