The Modern Savings Platform | Vestwell

Savers

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are tax-advantaged savings plans that help people with disabilities save for the future—without impacting SSI, Medicaid, or other important benefits.

Save for the future without risking benefits.

ABLE accounts offer people with disabilities a way to invest tax-free for the future, spend on everyday expenses, and still keep the public benefits they rely on. Experience life-changing benefits like:

Tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses.
Funds can be used for housing, transportation, education, therapy, assistive tech—anything that helps maintain or improve your independence, health, or quality of life.
Save more than $2,000 without losing state or federal benefits.
Income tax deductions and credits in certain states.
Anyone can contribute, including family, friends, employers, etc.

Check your eligibility.

Answer a few simple questions to see if you qualify for an ABLE account under the updated 2026 criteria.

Did your disability begin before your 46th birthday?

Do you already have an ABLE account set up?

Will your disability last more than 12 months?

Do you have a qualifying disability?

Yes, I receive SSI or SSDII currently receive Social Security disability benefits.
Yes, I can self-certifyI have a qualifying condition and can provide certification from a licensed physician. For a non exhaustive list of examples of qualifying disabilities, please review the Social Security Administration's Listing of Impairments or Compassionate Allowances Conditions.
No, I do not have a qualifying disability.

You are eligible.

Good news, you qualify for an account.

What the Age Adjustment Act Means for ABLE Account Eligibility

With an ABLE account, you don't have to choose between saving for tomorrow and protecting the support you rely on today. Vestwell makes it simple to manage your account with modern tools, helpful resources, and accessible features so you can focus on what matters most.

Saving With ABLE: A Checklist for Everything You’ll Need to Open an Account

Do I have to pay taxes on my account?

No. If the money in your ABLE account is used to pay for qualified expenses, it won’t be counted as income for your state or federal taxes. That means your investments grow tax-free, putting extra money in your pocket.

Does having an ABLE account affect my federal benefits?

No. When saving with an ABLE account, you can keep your federal benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, HUD Assistance, Section 8, etc.). If you receive SSI, you can save up to $100,000 before ABLE funds start counting against your benefits asset limits. If you choose to go over the $100,000 limit, your SSI benefits will be suspended, but you’ll still be eligible for all other federal benefits (such as Medicaid). Once your balance drops below the limit, your SSI benefits will resume as normal.

How is an ABLE account different from a Special Needs Trust or a Pooled Trust?

ABLE accounts, Special Needs Trusts (SNTs), and Pooled Trusts are all financial tools that can help people with disabilities to save money. What is best for your client will depend on their individual situation and goals. Keep in mind: the best option might be to use both an ABLE account and trust together! Read on for an outline of some key advantages of ABLE accounts.

Expenses: There are fewer expenses than setting up a trust - you do not have to hire an attorney to set up an ABLE account.
Ownership: The beneficiary owns the funds and can access them for eligible expenses. They do not have to ask a trustee for access to their money.
Eligibility: Limited to people diagnosed with a disability before the age of 26 (the age of onset for disability will be raised to 46 starting January 1, 2026).
Taxation: Earnings from ABLE accounts are tax-free; trusts are subject to taxation.
Contributions: There’s an annual contribution limit ($19,000 - or up to $34,060 for certain working beneficiaries).
Flexible Spending: Funds can be used for a wide range of expenses, including basic living costs, education, and employment without affecting benefits.
Fees: Low fees.

Can employers contribute to an employee’s ABLE account?

Yes! Employers are able to contribute to an employee’s ABLE account, or an ABLE account for an employee’s family member. Employers would report those contributions on an employee’s W-2. Some states also offer employer tax credits for ABLE contributions. You can find more information via our non-profit partner, ABLEtoday: https://www.abletoday.org/able-in-the-workplace and https://www.abletoday.org/for-employers.

People with disabilities can save and invest at least $19,000 a year for a wide range of eligible expenses. Those who are employed can save even more. Workers with disabilities who do not already participate in a workplace retirement plan can save up to an additional $15,060 a year (or more in some states), depending on their annual income.