State-administered, tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities, with plan-specific fees and rules.
<p><strong>ABLE accounts</strong> are state-administered, tax-advantaged savings accounts under section 529A for eligible individuals with disabilities. The account owner can use funds for qualified disability expenses such as housing, education, transportation, health, employment support, assistive technology and basic living expenses. Distributions are tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses.</p>
<h3>Who may qualify</h3> <p>From 1 January 2026, the qualifying disability must have begun before age 46. Eligibility may be based on specified Social Security disability benefits or a disability certification meeting the federal severity and documentation rules. The account can be opened at any age; the age rule concerns when the disability began. This is not an autism-specific diagnosis requirement.</p>
<h3>Contribution and benefit rules</h3> <p>The standard contribution limit is
0,000 in 2026. Some employed account owners may qualify to contribute more under ABLE-to-Work rules; confirm the current amount and conditions with the selected plan. For SSI, the first
00,000 in an ABLE account is disregarded. Amounts above that can affect SSI, while Medicaid generally continues when excess ABLE funds alone cause the resource issue and the person remains otherwise eligible.</p>
<h3>How to open an account</h3> <ol><li>Check the federal disability-onset and eligibility rules.</li><li>Start with the home-state plan, then compare plans that accept out-of-state residents.</li><li>Review each plan’s fees, investment options, state tax benefits, residency rules and disclosure documents.</li><li>Open the account directly through the chosen state plan and keep eligibility documentation available.</li></ol>
<h3>Important cautions</h3> <p>Fees and rules vary by plan. Withdrawals that are not used for qualified disability expenses, retained distributions and balances above SSI thresholds can have tax or benefit consequences. A state may also seek Medicaid reimbursement from remaining funds after the account owner’s death, subject to federal ordering rules and state policy.</p>
<p><em>This listing is general navigation, not legal, tax or financial advice. Families should confirm current rules with the selected ABLE plan and seek qualified benefits or tax advice for their circumstances.</em></p>
Eligibility
The individual must meet the federal disability-severity rule and the disability must have begun before age 46. Eligibility may be shown through specified SSA disability benefits or a qualifying disability certification; this is not an autism-specific diagnosis requirement.
How to apply
Use the ABLE NRC state map and comparison tools, review the home-state plan first, read the selected plan's disclosure documents, and open the account directly through the chosen state program. Some plans accept out-of-state residents.
Cost notes: This is a savings account, not a free grant. State plans may charge maintenance, transaction, statement, rollover or other fees. The standard aggregate contribution limit is
0,000 in 2026; eligible employed account owners may sometimes contribute more under separate rules. Compare current plan disclosures before enrolling.