American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Winter 2026 WHAT'S NEW
The Key to Keeping Benefits While Saving for the Life You Want
by Jesse Shirek
Reprinted from Braille Monitor, Volume 69, Number 1, January 2026
Have you ever dreamed of being able to save money to buy your own home, go on a Caribbean cruise, or purchase that Monarch Braille display you’ve always wanted without affecting your federal benefits? Have you wished for a way to invest your savings so your dollars grow tax-free, and to be able to withdraw money when you need it most without penalties or negative consequences? It may sound too good to be true, but if you became blind or disabled at or before age forty-six, you likely qualify for an ABLE account—a benefit that far too many people are unaware of or are simply not using.
The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, commonly referred to as the ABLE Act, was signed into law on December 19, 2014. This groundbreaking legislation made it possible for eligible disabled individuals who acquired their disability before age twenty-six to qualify for an ABLE account. On December 29, 2022, Congress expanded this opportunity through the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, increasing the age of onset to forty-six. As of January 1, 2026, millions more blind and disabled Americans now have access to this life-changing savings tool.
An ABLE account is a special, tax-advantaged savings account that allows qualified blind or disabled individuals to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal programs that have strict resource limits. That definition is accurate, but it can still feel abstract, so let’s talk about what it actually means in your everyday life.
Let’s use the example of Pat from Pittsburgh.
Pat is a blind person who receives Supplemental Security Income, commonly known as SSI, and is not currently working. Under SSI rules, Pat is not allowed to possess more than $2,000 in cash or savings without losing their benefit. Like so many people, Pat used to feel trapped, unable to set anything aside for the future. But once Pat learned about ABLE accounts, that changed. By saving money in an ABLE account, Pat can now set aside up to $100,000 without jeopardizing their monthly SSI payment or other essential supports.
ABLE accounts also ensure that individuals can maintain eligibility for other important programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, and affordable housing programs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Instead of worrying about losing benefits by saving too much, ABLE account holders are finally able to plan ahead and build security.
In 2026, an individual can save up to $20,000 per calendar year in their ABLE account; this is known as the annual maximum contribution limit. If the account holder is working and not contributing to a retirement account through an employer, they may be able to save even more. It is remarkable to think that gifts or donations from family and friends can now go directly into your ABLE account without counting as income that could reduce or eliminate benefits. For example, a cash gift given directly to you may be counted against your SNAP eligibility, but when contributed to your ABLE account, it will not be counted as income at all.
Money saved in an ABLE account must be used for qualified disability expenses, but that phrase covers far more than people first expect. Funds can support health needs and costs associated with maintaining or expanding independence or quality of life. This means ABLE funds can be used for food, medications, medical care, housing costs and utilities, transportation, clothing, or employment-related needs. Quality of life matters too, so travel, hobbies, and entertainment also qualify. I recommend holding onto receipts for purchases made with your ABLE account funds, just in case you ever need to verify that your spending meets the intended purpose of the law.
ABLE accounts are administered at the state level, and today forty-six states and the District of Columbia operate ABLE programs. It’s a good idea to review your own state’s program first, because some states offer state tax deductions or tax credits. If you live in a state without its own program, or if you simply want to explore your options, you can enroll in another state’s program. You may find that an out-of-state program offers lower fees or different investment options that better suit your goals. Many programs offer a basic savings account as well as investment portfolios with higher earning potential. Each state’s program is different, so it is worth doing a little research to make sure you choose the one that is right for you.
Because ABLE accounts operate as investment accounts, there are a couple of ways to spend the money. You can transfer funds into a checking account when you are ready to make a purchase, or you can request a debit card from your ABLE program. Returning to our earlier example, Pat finds the debit card option especially helpful because they do not yet have a strong enough credit history to qualify for a traditional credit card. Their ABLE debit card works seamlessly to pay for rides on Uber, Lyft, or Waymo, making daily life more convenient and supporting independence.
Another powerful way to use an ABLE account is for meaningful long-term savings. Pat’s older brother Roger became blind at age thirty-four and only recently learned he now qualifies too. He plans to begin saving a portion of his earnings from his sales job, choosing more aggressive investments so that his savings can grow tax-free. When Roger eventually needs to use that money, and as long as he spends it on qualified disability expenses, he will not be taxed on the growth or withdrawals.
I hope this article has helped you see just how valuable an ABLE account can be. You no longer have to feel stuck living benefit check to benefit check, unable to set money aside or plan the life you want. You deserve the opportunity to dream, to save, and to build a future filled with possibility.
If you would like to learn more about ABLE accounts, I encourage you to visit ABLETODAY.org. The site includes a wealth of information about the rules governing ABLE accounts, as well as detailed comparisons of every state program. You can also reach out to National Federation of the Blind Government Affairs Specialist Jesse Shirek at [email protected].