ABLE to Save: Campaign Boosts Financial Freedom for People with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 1, 2026 – The ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) has launched its annual #ABLEtoSave campaign, a month-long initiative aimed at empowering millions of Americans with disabilities to achieve greater financial independence. This year's theme, "Start Small. Big Possibilities.," underscores the message that even modest savings can be a powerful step toward long-term security and self-sufficiency.

For decades, many individuals with disabilities faced a difficult choice: save for the future and risk losing essential public benefits, or maintain eligibility for services like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid by keeping assets below a strict $2,000 threshold. The Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 was landmark legislation designed to dismantle this barrier. It created tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts, allowing individuals with disabilities and their families to save significant funds without jeopardizing their benefits.

"#ABLEtoSave Month is an opportunity for people with disabilities, their families and supporters to learn how these accounts can help individuals save for current and future needs without impacting their public benefits," said Jody Ellis, Director of the ABLE National Resource Center, in a statement. "This year's theme, 'Start Small. Big Possibilities.,' reinforces an important message—getting started doesn't have to be overwhelming. Every step moves you forward toward greater financial confidence and independence."

A New Era of Eligibility

A pivotal development has dramatically expanded the reach of the ABLE program. As of January 1, 2026, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act took effect, raising the age of disability onset for eligibility from before age 26 to before age 46. This single change has opened the door for an estimated six million more Americans, including a significant number of veterans, to open an ABLE account. Individuals who acquired a disability later in life, whether through an accident, illness, or military service, can now access this critical financial tool.

This expansion makes the #ABLEtoSave campaign more crucial than ever. With millions of newly eligible individuals, the focus on education and outreach is paramount. The campaign aims to inform this new audience, as well as those who were previously eligible but unaware, of the program's benefits.

How ABLE Accounts Work

ABLE accounts function much like 529 college savings plans but are designed for disability-related expenses. Contributions, which can be made by the account owner, family, friends, or even through a trust, grow tax-free. Withdrawals are also tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses (QDEs). These expenses are broadly defined and can include everything from housing and transportation to education, assistive technology, personal support services, and basic living costs.

Crucially, the financial protections are substantial:

• SSI Protection: The first $100,000 saved in an ABLE account is completely disregarded when determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Medicaid Protection: Funds in an ABLE account, regardless of the amount (up to the state's 529 plan limit, often $300,000 or more), do not affect eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested federal programs like SNAP and HUD housing assistance.
• Flexible Contributions: While there are annual contribution limits (set at $20,000 for 2026), the system allows for flexible funding from various sources, making it easier for families and support networks to contribute.

These features have transformed the financial landscape for many. According to the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST), as of the end of 2025, more than 234,000 ABLE accounts had been opened nationwide, with over $3 billion in assets. The average account balance of over $13,000 demonstrates that individuals are successfully using these accounts to build a financial safety net that was previously unattainable.

Overcoming Barriers and Choosing a Plan

Despite the program's success and recent expansion, significant barriers to adoption remain. A primary challenge, which the #ABLEtoSave campaign directly addresses, is a persistent lack of awareness. Many families and individuals who could benefit from an ABLE account simply do not know it exists or harbor misconceptions about how it might affect their benefits.

"For years, we were told to never have more than $2,000 in our name. It's a hard habit to break, even when you know the rules have changed," explained one parent of a young adult with a developmental disability. "This campaign helps build the confidence to start saving."

Navigating the system can also seem daunting. There are currently 51 different ABLE plans across the country, each with its own set of investment options, fee structures, and features. While many plans are open to residents of any state, some offer state-specific tax deductions or other benefits for in-state participants. The ABLE NRC's website, www.ablenrc.org, provides a comprehensive set of tools, including a state-by-state plan comparison feature, to help individuals make an informed choice.

Throughout April, the #ABLEtoSave campaign will feature a series of educational webinars, social media events, and new informational resources designed to demystify the process. With support from partners like Prudential and the ABLE Savings Plans Network, the initiative aims to provide clear, accessible information to help people with disabilities and their families take that first, crucial step toward financial security.