Financial Resources

Links to information on how to manage finances and other financial assistance.

IL ABLE: A Tool to Help Build Financial Wellness for People with Disabilities
https://illinoisable.com/
Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience or IL ABLE accounts give people with disabilities greater financial independence while preserving federal benefits. IL ABLE is a savings and investment plan that makes it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability. IL ABLE accounts can help solve a long-time predicament that many people with disabilities face: how to build financial wellness without risking federal government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.

SSA PUBLICATION GUIDE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PAYEES
www.ssa.gov/pubs
We deliver services through a nationwide network of over 1,400 offices that include regional offices, field offices, card centers, teleservice centers, processing centers, hearing offices, the Appeals Council, and our State and territorial partners, the Disability Determination Services. We also have a presence in U.S. embassies around the globe. For the public, we are the “face of the government.” The rich diversity of our employees mirrors the public we serve.

POSSIBILITIES: A FINANCIAL RESOURCE FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
A booklet first published in 2004 by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) and PACER, has been revamped and expanded in an online format. This guide offers tips and information on organizing financial records, managing money, dealing with debt, preparing income taxes, saving for college, preparing youth for adult employment, and more. Each section includes links to additional resources. For more information, please visit https://www.pacer.org/publications/possibilities

FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA)
Two loan guarantee programs from the Federal Housing Administration, Title 1 and 203K loans have loan size limits. The FHA programs can provide direct loans with below market interest rates (to 1%), higher than normal debt ratio (to 1%), extended terms (to 33 years), low down payments or financed closing costs. These loans can be used for acquisition or rehabilitation. The 203K program will also loan up to 80% of the repaired value of the home, making it useful for a household that chooses to move and make accessibility improvements in the new home. For details, call 312-866-2729.

PLANS FOR ACHIEVING SELF-SUPPORT (PASS)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allows participants to set aside income for accessibility projects. Without jeopardizing benefits, it is an SSI provision to help individuals with disabilities return to work. For more information, please visit www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm