Live, browser-based counseling console for benefits counselors, VR staff, WIPA CWICs, teachers of the visually impaired, and social workers. Real-time balance projections update as you type. Client roster persists across sessions. Client-facing mode lets you screen-share without exposing counselor prompts. Auto-drafts a follow-up email at the end.
Duration: 45 to 60 minutesClient-facing: Yes, screen sharableOutput: Printable signed summarySave: Local only (nothing sent to server)
New client session00:00
Counselor Studio
Your client roster
Every session is saved locally in your browser — nothing is sent to a server. Pick up a session you started earlier, or begin a new one. To move a session between devices, export as JSON from the summary screen and reload here.
No saved sessions yet. Click "Start new session" below to begin.
How this kit works
1. Intake
Client demographics, current benefits, ABLE status. 5–10 min.
2. Benefits map
For each benefit, what ABLE changes and what it doesn't. 10 min.
3. ABLE plan
Design deposits, employer match, allocation. See projected balance. 10 min.
4. Talking points
Correct the common myths. Address client-specific concerns.
5. Action items
Assign next steps to client, counselor, or family helper.
6. Print + follow-up
Signed summary PDF. Auto-generated follow-up email draft.
01
Intake
02
Benefits map
03
ABLE plan
04
Talking points
05
Action items
06
Print summary
Section 1 of 6Intake — get the basic picture
5 to 10 minutes. Fill this out with the client on screen. Everything here feeds the rest of the session.
Client identity
Current situation
Counselor prompt
Before moving on, confirm: "Is there anyone else who helps you manage benefits paperwork — a family member, guardian, or representative payee?" If yes, add their name here.
Section 2 of 6Benefits map — what could change with ABLE?
10 minutes. Walk through each benefit the client receives and show what an ABLE account does (or does not) change.
Say this to the client
"Everything you get today is still yours. ABLE does not change your Medicaid, SSDI, or Medicare. What it changes is your ability to save on top of those benefits — up to $100,000 without losing SSI, and any amount without losing Medicaid."
Section 3 of 6ABLE plan — design the deposits
10 to 15 minutes. Set the client's monthly deposit, employer match, and working-earner bonus. Preview the 5, 10, and 20-year balance.
Plan inputs
Start conservative. Can adjust later.
Zero if none. If client works, ask HR.
Extra amount if client has earned income. Cap: $15,660/yr.
Projected balance
Yr 5
$0
Yr 10
$0
Yr 20
$0
Total annual deposits
$0
Section 4 of 6Talking points — correct common myths
5 minutes. Address the most common concerns before they become blockers.
"Won't my SSI go down?"
No. SSI benefits are not reduced by ABLE deposits or balances up to $100,000. Only the first $100,000 is counted after that limit — and only for SSI, not Medicaid.
"Do I have to spend it right away?"
No. ABLE balances grow tax-free indefinitely. Withdrawals are tax-free as long as they pay for a Qualified Disability Expense (QDE).
"What if I move to another state?"
You can keep any state's ABLE plan regardless of your residence. Some states offer a state tax deduction for their own residents' contributions.
"What if I never need to use the money?"
Unused ABLE balances pass to a successor beneficiary or the estate. If Medicaid paid benefits, there may be a partial recovery — but only up to the amount Medicaid paid after the ABLE account was opened.
"Can my employer contribute?"
Yes. Employer contributions are ordinary compensation, fully deductible for the employer, and count toward the annual limit. Ask HR about a match program.
"What about school savings or college?"
Tuition, tutoring, books, and job training are all Qualified Disability Expenses. ABLE money can fund education directly, no separate 529 needed.
Section 5 of 6Action items — what happens after this session
5 minutes. Agree on the next steps. Assign each item to the client, the counselor, or a family member.
Section 6 of 6Session summary — sign and share
Print, save, or email this summary to the client and any family helpers.
Benefits Counseling Session Summary
Session for —
Client profile
Age
—
Disability onset age
—
Condition (self-reported)
—
State
—
Employment
—
Benefits today
Currently receives
—
Monthly earned income
—
Bank / other savings
—
Rep payee / guardian
—
ABLE plan
Monthly deposit target
—
Employer match
—
Investment allocation
—
Projected 5-year balance
—
Projected 20-year balance
—
Action items
Notes
—
Counselor signature · date
Client (or rep payee) signature · date
Follow-up email draft
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Add the client's email in Section 5 (or below) to enable direct send.
REACHABLE is built by the RISEI Lab at Northwestern University with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services