finance
ABLE Account Eligibility Expands to Age 46 in 2026
The age limit for ABLE account eligibility rose from 26 to 46 in 2026. Roughly 14 million additional people can now open the accounts while preserving access to needs-based federal benefits.
May 27, 9:25 AM·1m read1 source
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Eligibility for Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts expanded in 2026 from age 26 to 46. The change is based on the age at which a disability began rather than a person's current age. U.S. adults live with a disability, according to 2022 Centers for Disease Control data. 1 percent in April, according to a Kessler Foundation analysis.
ABLE accounts allow an individual or authorized representative to save up to $100,000 without affecting eligibility for Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. Withdrawals used for qualifying expenses such as housing, education, transportation, and assistive technology are tax-free under IRS rules.
The maximum annual contribution in 2026 is $20,000. Accounts are administered by states and can be opened through any participating state program.
7 percent of the newly eligible population had opened an account, according to ISS Market Intelligence researcher Paul Curley. U.S. employees understand what an ABLE account is. Sena Pottackal, a 36-year-old PR consultant with multiple disabilities, said she initially believed she did not qualify because she was over 26.
After learning the eligibility rule is based on age of onset, she said the accounts could help build financial stability.
