On January 1, 2026, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act took effect, expanding access to ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities. This new federal law allows veterans and adults who experience later-onset disabilities to save tax-free while preserving their eligibility for essential public benefits. As a result, over 400,000 Floridians are now eligible to open an ABLE account.
The ABLE Age Adjustment Act raises the age limit for disability onset from 26 to 46, potentially benefiting an estimated 6 million Americans, including more than 1 million veterans. This change acknowledges that many disabling conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can manifest later in life.
ABLE United, Florida’s official ABLE program, celebrates this significant development, which aims to empower individuals with disabilities to save and invest for their futures. The program has already helped over 18,000 Floridians save and invest a total of $140 million since its inception in 2016.
To further encourage savings, ABLE United is offering a $50 incentive for every new account opened between January 5 and April 30, 2026. John Finch, Director of ABLE United, expressed enthusiasm about the new law, stating, “Florida has always been a leader in empowering individuals with disabilities to build financial independence. With the Age Adjustment Act, we’re expanding that opportunity to thousands more Floridians—veterans, adults with later-onset conditions, and families who’ve long been excluded.”
The revised eligibility criteria allow individuals with disabilities to save up to $20,000 annually while still receiving public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Contributions can also be made by family and friends to enhance savings. Funds in an ABLE account can be utilized for various essential expenses, including assistive technology, education, housing, transportation, and healthcare.
Travis Finchum, a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney and Chair of the ABLE United Board, highlighted the importance of this expansion. He noted, “For years, we’ve seen clients who developed disabilities after age 26 and were locked out of ABLE accounts. Now, they’ll finally have access to a tool that protects their benefits while allowing them to save for the future. It’s a win for dignity, autonomy, and financial security.”
Enrollment in ABLE accounts is free, with no monthly fees, and savings grow tax-free as long as withdrawals are made for Qualified Disability Expenses. This financial tool is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing them with greater control over their financial futures.
For more information on eligibility and to learn how to open an ABLE account, visit www.ableunited.com.
The establishment of Florida ABLE, Inc. in July 2015, which operates as ABLE United, reflects a commitment to assist individuals with disabilities in managing their financial needs. The organization is a registered not-for-profit and a direct support entity of the Florida Prepaid College Board, which oversees more than $15 billion in investments for Florida’s education savings plans.
This legislative change represents a significant step forward in financial empowerment for many Floridians, ensuring that those who have faced challenges due to disabilities can now secure their financial well-being and independence.