Individual Development
Account (IDA)
Individual Development Accounts are savings
accounts in which deposits of low- and moderate-income
savers are matched by funding provided through
federal and state governments, foundations,
or the private sector. IDAs are often contingent
on the saver participating in financial education
courses and saving for specific purposes such
as postsecondary education, homeownership, or
establishing a small business - all of which
benefit our communities, businesses, and economy.
Currently, there are several private sector
entities and foundations that offer financial
support for IDAs in Nebraska, but Nebraska's
state government does not participate in or
utilize TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy
Families) or federal funds that could provide
more Nebraskans with the opportunity to build
assets .
What can Nebraska do?
Nebraska could use TANF funds and utilize federal
dollars to implement a program, which would
support matched savings of low-income participants
and assist in covering the costs of financial
education course.
To ensure a strong and successful program, Nebraska
should:
- Provide sufficient funding
- Provide state agency stewardship
- Provide stable funding through a permanent
line in the state's budget, trust fund or a
tax credit
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