Eligibility and benefits

Eligibility snapshot

Meeting program requirements

Any individual who developed a qualifying disability before the age of 26 is eligible for an account. If someone can’t open an account themselves, an Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR) can do it for them.

The passing of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act expands eligibility for ABLE accounts by raising the age for the onset of a disability from 26 to 46 starting January 1, 2026.

In addition, the beneficiary must meet one of the following criteria:

• Meet the Social Security definition of disability (receiving SSI or SSDI);
  OR

• Have a disability certification signed by a licensed physician or, for the current tax year, have filed a valid disability certification with the Secretary of the Treasury.

AND

• You are the beneficiary of the account and over the age of 18;

  OR

• You are an ALR for the beneficiary. An ALR must be able to demonstrate that you have been designated as the Power of Attorney, Legal Guardian, or Conservator for the beneficiary. If the beneficiary is under the age of 18, the ALR may be a parent.

Who can open an account

The Beneficiary, or ALR must be over the age of 18.

If you’re the ALR, you can open an account if you are able to demonstrate that you have been designated as the Power of Attorney, Legal Guardian, or Conservator for the beneficiary. If the beneficiary is under the age of 18, the ALR may be a parent.

Understanding ABLE benefits

Saving and investing without jeopardizing state and federal means tested benefits

An ABLE account is a way to save for eligible disability-related expenses. If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can have up to $100,000 in an ABLE account without it counting towards the $2,000 asset limit. Remember, if you go over the SSI limit, you’ll still be eligible for all other benefits (like Medicaid) but your SSI will be suspended — resuming once your balance drops below the limit again.

Eligible expenses

Most costs related to living with a disability qualify, especially things that and are geared toward improving health, independence, and quality of life; some example categories include:

And more – provided the expenses relate to the beneficiary’s disability and are made for the benefit of the designated beneficiary. This guide provides examples of possible disability related expenses.

Remember: ABLE account holders are advised to maintain copies of receipts for all purchases and fees when using money from their ABLE accounts.