MORE AFFORDABLE- -BY MAKING THEM AVAILABLE AT MORE RETAILERS AND ONLIN E. A NEW LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE FOR PEOPLE LINGVI WITH DISABILITES IN MAINE- THANKS TO A NEW TYPE OF BANKING SERVICE FROM BANGOR SAVINGS BANK. IT WORKS LIKE A CHECKING ACCOUNT, WITH ACCESSO T CHECKS AND A DEBIT CARD -- THE FEDERAL PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR SAVING AND LONGER TERM INVESTMENTS. BUT NOW, MAINERS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE MORE FREEDOM AND ACCESS TO MAKE DAY ILFINANCIAL DECISIONS. THIS GIVES FOLKS RECEIVING DISABILITY BENEFITS ALL OF THE ABILITY TO BOTH SAVE F OR THEIR FUTURE AND ALSO TO SPEND SOME OF THE MONEY THAT THEY'RE SAVING ON QUALIFIED BENEFITS. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH E TH STATE, OFFICIALS S

Bangor Savings Bank partners with Maine on novel benefits program

Updated: 4:15 PM EDT Oct 19, 2021

Bangor Savings Bank is launching a first-of-its-kind product in partnership with Maine State Treasurer, Maine ABLE Benefit CheckingSM, created for people with disabilities. The account allows greater accessibility for financial products and services, while also protecting eligibility for federal and state of Maine means-tested benefits, announced Bangor Savings Bank. A $2,000 limit in resources for individuals receiving benefits like Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance has been the norm until now. The account, available to all qualifying Maine residents, can be opened at any Bangor Savings Bank branch.Being the first such program in the country, ABLE Accounts offer a unique public-private collaboration, Bob Montgomery-Rice, president and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank, said. "Creating and offering this program supports the financial independence and well-being of Maine's residents with disabilities and reflects our ongoing commitment to provide better banking experiences for all community members," Montgomery-Rice said. ABLE Accounts will give opportunities for "financial health, planning and empowerment" to individuals with disabilities and their families.Originating from the Federal ABLE Act, created in 2014, ABLE accounts are established and managed at the state level, overseen by the Office of the Maine State Treasurer.

Bangor Savings Bank is launching a first-of-its-kind product in partnership with Maine State Treasurer, Maine ABLE Benefit CheckingSM, created for people with disabilities.

The account allows greater accessibility for financial products and services, while also protecting eligibility for federal and state of Maine means-tested benefits, announced Bangor Savings Bank.

A $2,000 limit in resources for individuals receiving benefits like Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance has been the norm until now.

The account, available to all qualifying Maine residents, can be opened at any Bangor Savings Bank branch.

Being the first such program in the country, ABLE Accounts offer a unique public-private collaboration, Bob Montgomery-Rice, president and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank, said.

"Creating and offering this program supports the financial independence and well-being of Maine's residents with disabilities and reflects our ongoing commitment to provide better banking experiences for all community members," Montgomery-Rice said.

ABLE Accounts will give opportunities for "financial health, planning and empowerment" to individuals with disabilities and their families.

Originating from the Federal ABLE Act, created in 2014, ABLE accounts are established and managed at the state level, overseen by the Office of the Maine State Treasurer.

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Bangor Savings Bank partners with Maine on novel benefits program - WMTW Portland