Understanding the ABLE Age Adjustment Act
ABLE is expanding to help even more people. Landmark federal legislation, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, raising the disability age of onset for eligibility to 46 (previously 26). This pivotal change is projected to extend the benefits of ABLE accounts to over 8 million additional individuals across the country.
Members of the disability community shouldn’t have to struggle to build financial security. With an ABLE account, you can save for today's needs and tomorrow’s goals.
Why consider an ABLE account
Save and grow your money
ABLE accounts offer a number of tax advantages and investment options that can help you build long-term security tailored to your needs.
Protect your benefits
Save beyond the $2,000 asset limit for programs like SSI and Medicaid — with no impact on your eligibility.
Use your money when you need it
Unlike some other savings tools, ABLE allows you to withdraw funds at any time for qualified disability-related expenses and even use the ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card for easy spending without penalties.
What ABLE accounts can pay for
An ABLE account can help support your unique goals and needs today, and in the future. Qualified expenses broadly include anything that helps improve your health, independence and quality of life, such as:
Housing, food, and utilities
Job training or education costs
Health insurance
Regular medical, dental, and mental health expenses
Assistive technology, transportation, and personal support
Key features of ABLE accounts
You can contribute up to $19,000 a year. Earnings are tax-free when used for qualified expenses.
If you’re working, you may be able to contribute even more than the standard limit
Anyone can contribute to your account, including family and friends
Get tax-free earnings when used for qualified expenses
You manage your account and stay in control
Be the first to know.
Join our interest list for ABLE updates and reminders about the 2026 eligibility changes.
Opening an ABLE account for your child, or someone you care for, can empower them to become more financially independent, more confident, and more secure in their future.
Why ABLE accounts are a valuable option
Preserve vital benefits
Save without affecting eligibility for means-tested programs like SSI and Medicaid.
Flexible and practical
Use ABLE funds for day-to-day essentials like food, housing, transportation — areas that are often restricted under a Special Needs Trust.
Encourage financial independence
Your child or client owns and controls the account, with the option for you to assist in managing it.
Plan for the long term
Use ABLE as a tool to set aside funds for your client’s or child’s care, housing, and future — and transfer management of the account to another person when needed.
What ABLE accounts can pay for
An ABLE account can help support your child’s unique goals and needs, now and well into the future. Qualified expenses include anything that helps improve their health, independence, and quality of life, such as:
Rent and food
Personal care items, transportation, and therapies
Job coaching, tuition, or training
Premiums for health insurance
Financial management and legal fees
Emergency expenses and regular medical, dental, and mental health expenses
Key features of ABLE accounts
You can contribute up to $19,000 a year, and save a total of up to $100,000 without jeopardizing SSI benefits — far more than the standard $2,000 asset limit for means-tested benefits.
The account belongs to your child or client and can stay with them through life, while you help manage the account, with the option to use an ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card to easily pay for expenses.
ABLE accounts give your child or client financial tools without the complexities and expense of legal guardianship or trust management.
A great complement to a broader estate or care plan.
Sign up to get updates on eligibility and tools to support your client’s or adult child’s long-term planning
Veterans with disabilities shouldn’t have to struggle to build financial security because of the high cost of expenses and the risk of losing public benefits. An ABLE account can help you maintain independence, invest tax free, and afford what you need today and in the future.
Why ABLE might be right for you
Financial flexibility without benefit disruption
ABLE accounts allow you to save and invest for the future while maintaining access to public programs — protections for service-connected VA benefits, VA Pension benefits, and non-VA means-tested benefits
Support for your current and future needs
Use an ABLE account to plan ahead or cover daily expenses while your money grows tax-free when used for qualified disability-related expenses
Designed for accessibility
ABLE is simple to manage and works alongside other programs and benefits you may already use. You can even use the ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card to pay for expenses easily
Coordinate with Veterans Services
Combine the benefits of an ABLE account with your VA services to meet your unique needs
What ABLE accounts can pay for
Rent, mortgage, food, and utilities
Medical, dental, and mental health care
Job training or education costs
Service animals, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology
Transportation and personal support
Transition support or emergency expenses
Any other expenses that improve your health, independence, or quality of life
Key features of ABLE accounts
You own the account and decide how to use it
ABLE works alongside, not in place of, your VA benefits
You can contribute up to $19,000 a year
If you’re working, you may be able to contribute even more than the standard limit
ABLE may help you save for your transition from the military or supplement healthcare needs that go beyond what VA covers
Join the interest list for Veterans — we’ll keep you informed about eligibility and next steps
When can I register for an account?
If your disability occurred before your 26th birthday, you can register for an ABLE account now. For those whose disability onset was between age 26 and 45, mark your calendars for January 1, 2026 – sign up for our interest list and get ready to apply!
Who is eligible for an account with the ABLE Age Adjustment Act?
Eligibility for ABLE is self-certified. To be eligible for an ABLE account, the beneficiary must:
Be blind or have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations, and such condition developed before the age of 46 (as of January 1, 2026) and will last, or has lasted, at least a year;
Have a Social Security number or a tax identification number;
Have a U.S. permanent address that is not a P.O. Box; and
Confirm one of the following:
Are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) because of a disability;
Experience blindness as determined by the Social Security Act; or
You have a physician’s diagnosis that your condition meets the ABLE Act eligibility requirements. To confirm you are eligible, a good place to start is the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments or the list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions. You can find a sample Physician’s Diagnosis Form here.*
*Enrollment is entirely online. You will not need to produce a copy of your disability diagnosis in order to open an ABLE account. However, a record of your eligibility or diagnosis must be readily available for verification.
You may use the optional Physician Diagnosis Form to obtain a written diagnosis for your records.
What do I need to open an account?
Make sure you have this information handy:
Your email address;
Beneficiary’s birthday;
Beneficiary’s Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number;
Beneficiary’s residency address.
If you’re an Authorized Legal Representative, you’ll need the same information as the beneficiary’s, plus your work status.
If the beneficiary is not eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, they need a signed Diagnosis Form from a licensed physician. The form is not required upon registration, but should be available if requested.
Will an ABLE account affect my VA benefits, SSI, or Medicaid?
No. An ABLE account allows you to save with no impact on your means-tested benefits.
What counts as a qualified expense?
There’s a wide range of qualified expenses that can cover most costs related to your disability. Some of these include:
living expenses
education
housing
transportation
employment
vacation
job training
career support
assistive technology
personal support services
health
prevention
wellness
financial management
administrative services
legal fees
and more
As long as the expense helps maintain or improve the health, independence, or quality of life of the person living with a disability, it is likely a qualified expense.
See the approved categories for more details about eligible expenses.
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