Advocacy in Action Newsletter

Federal officials have issued long-awaited guidance to help states determine what living arrangements for people with disabilities are considered community-based rather than institutional.

HUD to Amend its Policy Regarding ABLE Funds

Saving in Acheiving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are disregarded when determining eligibility for most federally-funded means-tested benefits.

All federal housing support programs are income-based programs and do not have asset limits. ABLE funds will probably be excluded from HUD determinations. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has not released guidance as it relates to housing and ABLE.

A HUD administrative legislative proposal bill to amend the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 and other ACTs involving HUD rental assistance programs was issued on April 25, 2018.  Administrative Legislative Proposal Bill Text

ABLE Accounts, are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act.

The beneficiary of the account is the account owner, and income earned by the accounts will not be taxed. Contributions to the account, which can be made by any person (the account beneficiary, family and friends), must be made using post-taxed dollars. Contributions will not be tax deductible for federal taxes. Some states may allow for state income tax deductions for contributions made to an ABLE account.
Visit www.ablenrc.org for more information about ABLE accounts.

Housing Forum

April 27 @ 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hunterdon County Complex, 314 State Route 12, Flemington, NJ 08822

Transition from School to Adult Life for Students with I/DD 

April 27 @ 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hunterdon County Complex, 314 State Route 12, Flemington, NJ 08822

The Regional Family Support Planning Councils are Looking for New Members

Regional Family Support Council members advocate for families and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) on issues that directly impact their lives. They collaborate with the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Department of Children and Families, Division of Children’s System of Care (CSOC) on how to better serve individuals and their families.

Councils usually meet monthly. Each council may have up to 11 voting members. Council members are volunteers. They will be reimbursed for reasonable transportation, child care, and other related costs.

For information on how to join one of the Regional Family Support Planning Councils, contact:

• Kyoko Coco, Statewide Family Support Coordinator
  Phone: 609-341-3112kyoko.coco@njcdd.org
• Rebekah Novemsky, Family Support Liaison Phone: 609-984-4510rebekah.novemsky@njcdd.org