If you’re caring for a loved one with special needs, you’ve probably heard about ABLE accounts—but do you know how they actually work, or how they can protect eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid?

In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down everything you need to know about ABLE accounts—Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts—and how they fit into a comprehensive special needs financial plan.

You'll learn:

• Who qualifies for an ABLE account (including age and disability criteria)
• 2025 contribution limits and how the ABLE to Work provision expands savings potential
• What counts as a Qualified Disability Expense (QDE)
• How ABLE accounts interact with SSI and Medicaid rules—including the $100,000 balance limit
• Key differences between ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts, and how they complement each other
• Common mistakes to avoid

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episode will equip you with practical guidance to make the most of one of the most powerful tools in special needs planning.

Secured Steps is the podcast that helps parents, grandparents, and caretakers confidently navigate the financial planning process for individuals with disabilities. Hosted by Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management — and a parent who’s walked this path — each episode delivers clear, practical guidance on topics including government benefits, special needs trusts, and budgeting, ABLE accounts, and investment management. Featuring expert guests in law, education, and community services, Secured Steps gives you the tools to build a secure and sustainable future, one step at a time.

https://rockwoodwealth.com/special-needs-financial-planning/