A New Era for Disability Savings: ABLEnow's 2026 Overhaul

RICHMOND, VA – January 26, 2026 – As it approaches its tenth anniversary, ABLEnow, the nation’s largest independent ABLE savings program, is ushering in a transformative year with sweeping changes designed to broaden access and enhance financial independence for Americans with disabilities. The program is rolling out expanded eligibility criteria, increased contribution limits, and a major operational transition that promises lower fees and a modernized user experience.

These enhancements mark a pivotal moment for the program, which is managed by Commonwealth Savers and serves over 20,000 individuals across all 50 states. “This is an important moment for ABLEnow and the more than 20,000 individuals served by the program,” said Alisa Ferguson, ABLE Programs Director at Commonwealth Savers. “Expanded eligibility, increased flexibility, and lower fees reflect a continued focus on removing barriers and strengthening access to financial tools that provide flexibility and support for a wide range of needs.”

Millions More Eligible as Age Barrier Falls

The most significant change is a direct result of federal legislation. Effective January 1, 2026, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act dramatically expands the pool of eligible individuals. Previously, a person’s disability must have occurred before their 26th birthday to qualify for an ABLE account. The new law raises this age of onset to 46, a long-sought-after change by disability advocates.

This single legislative update is projected to make an estimated 6 to 14 million more Americans eligible for these powerful, tax-advantaged savings accounts. This includes over one million veterans and countless others who acquired a disability later in life through accidents, chronic illness, or mental health conditions that manifested in young adulthood. For years, this population was locked out of a key tool for building financial security without jeopardizing crucial public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

To qualify under the new rules, an individual’s disability must still meet the Social Security Administration's standards for severity, but the expanded age window acknowledges that life-altering disabilities are not confined to childhood. This policy shift fundamentally reshapes the landscape of disability financial planning, extending a lifeline for financial autonomy to a much broader community.

Boosting Savings and Financial Power

Beyond expanding who can open an account, ABLEnow is also increasing how much can be saved. For 2026, the annual contribution limit has been raised to $20,000, up from $19,000 in 2025. This limit applies to total contributions from all sources, including family, friends, and the account owner themselves.

Furthermore, working individuals with disabilities can save even more under the ABLE to Work Act. This provision, now a permanent part of the tax code, allows eligible employed account owners to contribute additional funds above the annual limit, up to the federal poverty level for a one-person household. For 2026, this could allow a working beneficiary to save over $34,000 in their account, a substantial sum that can accelerate their path toward financial goals.

These funds provide immense flexibility. Money in an ABLE account grows tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free for a vast range of Qualified Disability Expenses (QDEs). This includes housing, transportation, education, healthcare, assistive technology, and basic living expenses—essentially anything that helps improve the account owner's health, independence, or quality of life. An individual can save up to $100,000 in their account without it impacting their SSI eligibility, a critical safeguard that distinguishes ABLE accounts from traditional savings vehicles.

A Strategic Overhaul for Growth and Efficiency

To support its growing user base and enhance its services, ABLEnow is undertaking a significant operational transition. In late March 2026, the program will move its recordkeeping services to Ascensus, the nation’s largest independent third-party administrator for savings programs.

Ascensus is a giant in the financial services industry, with over 40 years of experience and a massive footprint in managing tax-advantaged accounts. The company administers 51 state-sponsored 529 college savings plans and already manages over $570 million in assets across multiple state ABLE programs. This move positions ABLEnow to leverage industry-leading scale and technology.

For the program's account owners, this transition is expected to bring tangible benefits. The primary promises are a reduction in fees and the launch of a modernized online platform. While ABLEnow's current annual fee is $39, a comparison with other programs like Ohio's STABLE Account (which can be as low as $12 for non-residents) or CalABLE ($30) highlights how fee structures can impact savers. The move to Ascensus is intended to make ABLEnow even more competitive and cost-effective.

All existing accounts will be automatically transitioned in late March, and ABLEnow has stated that customers will receive advance communications and support throughout the process to ensure a smooth migration.

From Virginia Roots to a National Movement

The idea for the ABLE Act itself originated with a group of Virginia parents and advocates, making it fitting that Virginia was the first state to pass enabling legislation in 2015. ABLEnow launched nationally in December 2016 and quickly grew, establishing itself as a leader in the field.

Its growth reflects a broader national trend. From just over 10,000 accounts in 2020, ABLEnow now serves more than double that number. Nationally, total assets in ABLE accounts have swelled to over $2.87 billion, with the rate of adoption steadily increasing each year. Over its history, ABLEnow has been an innovator, introducing the first mobile app for an ABLE program and other digital tools to improve the user experience.

The strategic shift to Ascensus, combined with the powerful legislative tailwinds of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, positions the program for its next chapter of growth. As ABLEnow celebrates a decade of empowering individuals with disabilities, these 2026 enhancements signal a renewed commitment to breaking down financial barriers and turning the promise of a better life experience into a tangible reality for millions more Americans.