Spectrum Arch, Inc.For years, people on SSI and Medicaid have faced a painful rule: save more than $2,000 and you can lose your benefits. ABLE accounts were created to fix that, and in 2026 they became available to millions more people.
What changed in 2026
Until the end of 2025, you could open an ABLE account only if your disability began before age 26. Since January 1, 2026, the cutoff is before age 46. If you were turned away before, check again.
How an ABLE account helps
- SSI: the first $100,000 in an ABLE account doesn't count toward the SSI resource limit.
- Medicaid: ABLE savings generally don't count against Medicaid eligibility.
- Taxes: money grows tax-free when it's used for qualified disability expenses.
What the money can be used for
"Qualified disability expenses" is a broad category. It includes housing, transportation, education, health care, assistive technology, job training, and basic living expenses. Housing costs are worth extra care for SSI recipients, so keep receipts and ask a benefits advisor if you're unsure.
How much can go in
Total contributions from everyone (the person, family, and friends) are limited each year to the federal gift-tax exclusion amount, which is $19,000 in 2026. Some people who work can contribute more from their own earnings.
Who owns it
The account belongs to the person with the disability. A parent, guardian, or authorized person can manage it for them.
ABLE in New York
New York's program is called NY ABLE. You can open an account through it, or through another state's program if you prefer its investment options or fees.
ABLE or a supplemental needs trust?
They do different jobs, and many families use both. ABLE accounts are simple, cheap to open, and flexible. A supplemental needs trust can hold much larger amounts, including inheritances. Read more in supplemental needs trusts in New York.
Sources: Disability Belongs, ABLE Age Adjustment Act update; ABLE accounts available to more people in 2026; NY ABLE.