Financial Empowerment for Foster Youth with Disabilities Through ABLE Accounts

Kansas has become a national leader in helping foster youth with disabilities build financial security without putting essential benefits at risk. Through innovative collaboration, Kansas developed clear policy guidance that protects eligibility for critical federal benefits such as SSI and Medicaid while empowering youth to save for their future. By making ABLE accounts a standard financial planning tool within the foster care system, Kansas opened more than 700 ABLE accounts in just three months— creating one of the most successful ABLE implementation efforts in the nation. Watch this webinar recording to learn: How Kansas aligned disability, child welfare, and financial empowerment policies to support youth with disabilities How Kansas and DCF’s Preservation of Federal Benefits policy helps safeguard SSI and Medicaid eligibility Why ABLE accounts are an ideal savings vehicle for foster youth with disabilities preparing for adulthood Practical and sustainable funding strategies from implementing this initiative statewide How other states can replicate the Kansas model.