Treasurer Diossa Seeks to Increase the Number of Rhode Islanders Who Take Advantage of Rhode Island ABLE Program

Published on Thursday, May 23, 2024

Providence, RI – Today, Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa hosted a roundtable with key stakeholders to discuss increasing the number of Rhode Islanders who take advantage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (RI ABLE) accounts program. Through this program, RI ABLE helps individuals save while preserving the benefit from supplemental security income (SSI), Medicaid, and other federal programs.

“As General Treasurer, it is my duty to promote economic growth and financial security for all Rhode Islanders, including those with disabilities,” said General Treasurer Diossa. “Now more than ever, we have to get the word out there for all Rhode Islanders who qualify to take advantage of Rhode Island ABLE.”

The RI ABLE program helps individuals with disabilities and their families save for disability-related expenses on a tax-free basis. Account holders can avoid having to spend down earnings and savings, and instead accrue savings for qualified expenses while preserving their ability to receive benefits. Individuals who are eligible for RI ABLE must self-certify that they have a physical or mental disability that can be expected to last for at least a year or can cause death, are blind, or have a disability that is included on the Social Security Administration's List of Compassionate Allowances Conditions. The disability or blindness must have occurred before the age of 26. 

As a result of the meeting, Treasurer Diossa will work with stakeholders to create a wholistic outreach plan leading up to January of 2026 when the qualifying age limit changes from 26 to 46. Participants who joined the Treasurer in the meeting included: 

  • RI Developmental Disabilities Council Executive Director Kevin Nerney
  • Veterans Affairs for the State of Rhode Island Director Kasim Yarn
  • Department of Health Associate Director of Policy & Program Kimberly Rauch
  • Ascensus Vice President for Relationship Management Jose Rafael Gamboa
  • RAMP CEO Tina Guenette
  • Department of Health/Traumatic Brain Injury Principal Community Program Liaison Carmen Boucher
  • Ocean State Center for Independent Living Executive Director Mireille Sayaf 
  • Ocean State Center for Independent Living Associate Director Beth Pinkham
  • Ocean State Center for Independent Living Program Manager Michelle Machado
  • Access to Integrated Employment Coordinator, and Works Incentives Planning and Assistance Director Victoria Ferrara 
  • Early Intervention Training & Technical Assistance Center Coordinator Leslie Bobrowski
  • Skills for Rhode Island's Future Supported Employment Career Coach Christina Battista

For more information, account access or to enroll online, visit RI.SavewithABLE.com or call a client service representative at 888-609-8915.