Millions of disabled Americans face financial restrictions due to strict asset limits tied to government benefits, making it difficult to save for the future without losing essential support.
ABLE accounts, created under the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014, provide a way for individuals to save and invest without compromising access to programmes like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
These accounts allow people with disabilities to accumulate substantial savings while benefiting from tax advantages and flexible spending rules. Despite their potential, they remain underutilised and relatively unknown, with less than 1% of eligible individuals using them.
As reported by AP News, financial experts and policymakers are now pushing to raise awareness and expand access. With upcoming eligibility changes set for 2026, more people may soon be able to benefit from this financial tool.
How Able Accounts Help Disabled Individuals
Traditionally, those receiving SSI or Medicaid could not accumulate more than $2,000 in savings without risking their benefits. This restriction made it difficult to plan for future expenses or financial security.
ABLE accounts allow account holders to save up to $100,000 without affecting their SSI eligibility. Lifetime savings limits vary by state, ranging from $300,000 to over $500,000. Contributions can come from multiple sources, including family, friends, and employers, with an annual contribution limit of $19,000 in 2025.
For individuals who are working and not enrolled in a workplace retirement plan, additional contributions are allowed. In 2025, this amount ranges from $15,560 to $18,810, depending on the state.
Funds in an ABLE account can be used for a variety of qualified disability expenses, including medical treatments and assistive technology, which help improve health and daily functioning. They also cover education and job training, providing opportunities for skill development and employment.
Additionally, funds can be used for housing and transport, ensuring stable living conditions and mobility, as well as personal support services, which assist with daily activities and independent living.
The Impact of Able Accounts : Paul Safarik’s Story
One example of how ABLE accounts help is Paul Safarik, a 32-year-old from Lincoln, Nebraska, who has Down syndrome. He has worked in the food industry for over a decade, delivering food and stocking grocery store shelves.
His ABLE account allowed him to purchase a treadmill to stay active in bad weather and help pay for braces—something that would have been difficult under traditional asset limits.
His mother, Deb Safarik, explains the impact :
With this ABLE account, we don’t have to worry as much. It’s nice that he can work and save, and not have that be held against him.
Expanding Eligibility in 2026
Currently, only individuals whose disability began before the age of 26 can open an ABLE account. However, starting in 2026, the age limit will increase to 46, making an estimated 6 million more people eligible, including 1 million veterans.
This change means that people whose disabilities resulted from accidents, chronic illnesses, or long-term conditions like post-COVID complications will finally have access to these financial tools.
Awareness Remains a Challenge
Despite the financial benefits, ABLE accounts remain underutilised. As of late 2024, only 186,641 accounts existed, a fraction of the estimated 8 million eligible individuals.
A major challenge is the lack of awareness among disabled people, their families, and even caseworkers. Andrew Warren, a senior associate at the Financial Health Network, highlights the issue :
“One of the major barriers to becoming financially healthy for this vulnerable group is asset limits. But there’s an information disconnect between caseworkers and direct service providers on the ground and [administrators of ABLE accounts].”
Many families are still unaware that saving money is now an option without risking government support.
