The IDA project celebrated one year of successful savings in December
2007.
Savers, project staff, and a representative from the Chicago Major's
Office for People with Disabilities attended a ceremony honoring
everyone's efforts. Thus far, the group has saved over $7,000 for goals
such as post-secondary education, purchase of a condominium, or starting
a small business.
Asset Accumulation through Individual Development Accounts
The purpose of this project was to assist people with mental illnesses in accumulating financial assets for school, employment, or housing goals that promote their economic independence. Assets are developed through special savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts. These accounts are geared to the needs of low income individuals who are working and able to save limited amounts of money. Few IDA programs have been targeted to individuals with disabilities, and this project was the first designed to reach adults with psychiatric disabilities.
IDAs are unique because individuals' savings are matched by financial contributions from local and governmental sources. Under the federal IDA program, an individual's savings are matched first by a non-federal source (such as a bank or philanthropic foundation), and second by the federal government using a specific matching formula. The amount of federal funds that may be allocated to an individual's account is $2000 per IDA, while there is no limit on the local match. Individuals' contributions to IDAs must come from earned income and must be used to help finance the purchase of a first home, small business capitalization, or post-secondary education. Participants also receive financial education and counseling. Under the federal program, savings accumulated in an IDA are not counted as assets when assessing SSI or SSDI eligibility and cash payments, thus removing this disincentive to asset accumulation faced by people receiving public disability income. As of 2003, 34 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico had passed IDA legislation, with over 500 IDA initiatives and 10,000 IDA savers nationwide.
This project was implemented at Thresholds, a psychiatric rehabilitation center serving 5,000 adults through its comprehensive program of supported education, supported employment, housing, and wellness services. The Asset Builders Community Development Corporation coordinated access to the banking institution and the federal match for this project. The Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation provided the local match.
With support from this project, working clients at Thresholds received financial education and counseling, assistance with establishing an IDA, and ongoing support while saving money for 1 to 3 years. Project evaluation tracked participants' asset accumulation and the project's impact on their financial self-sufficiency, along with the likely sustainability of the program at Thresholds after federal funding ended.
Learn more about this project.
This project has been completed, and is no longer enrolling clients.
Financial Education for Persons in Recovery
This financial education curriculum was designed to be implemented in 6, two-hour sessions that are highly interactive and hands-on. Topics were selected based on the findings of our study of financial planning needs of people in recovery and include: identifying values and financial goals; tracking and managing income vs. expenses; managing debt; understanding credit; using financial institutions; and building savvy consumer skills. Lessons involved hands-on budgeting, small group activities, and homework. This class met requirements for financial training of those who wish to start Individual Development Accounts.
Download presentation: "Effectively Managing Your Illness & Finances" [PDF 476K]
Download a Financial Education Curriculum for People in Mental Health Recovery
