[Massachusetts-NFB] more People Are Now Eligible for ABLE Accounts. Here's Why That Matters

[sharawinton at gmail.com]

More People Are Now Eligible for ABLE Accounts. Here's Why That Matters

CNBC reported on January 1, 2026 that millions more Americans are now
eligible to open and contribute to ABLE accounts, a major expansion that
could significantly impact people with disabilities - including people who
are blind or have low vision.

ABLE accounts, short for Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts, are
tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts designed to help people with
disabilities build financial security without putting vital benefits at
risk.

What Changed on January 1, 2026

According to CNBC, eligibility for ABLE accounts expanded at the start of
2026 due to a change in federal law.

Previously, a qualifying disability had to begin before age 26.
Now, that age limit has increased to before age 46.

As a result, an estimated 6 million additional Americans are now eligible to
open ABLE accounts.

This change is especially important for people whose blindness or low vision
existed from birth or early life but did not fully manifest until later,
including many genetic conditions. Even if blindness occurred later, you may
still qualify as long as the underlying condition began before age 46.

Why ABLE Accounts Matter for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision

ABLE accounts are a powerful wealth-building tool because they allow people
to save and invest money without losing access to Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) or Medicaid, up to certain limits.

For people with blindness or low vision, ABLE accounts can help pay for:

*	Housing and rent
*	Education and training
*	Assistive technology
*	Health care and transportation
*	Other qualified disability-related expenses

Money in an ABLE account can grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are
not taxed.

Account holders can have up to $100,000 in an ABLE account without affecting
SSI eligibility - far more than the $2,000 limit applied to traditional
savings accounts.

Who Can Open an ABLE Account

As CNBC explains, ABLE accounts are available to individuals who:

*	Are eligible for SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance, or
*	Can self-certify a qualifying medical condition that began before
age 46

Blindness, as defined by the Social Security Administration, is a qualifying
condition. A written diagnosis from a licensed physician is required for
self-certification, but proof is not submitted when opening the account.

Contribution Limits for 2026

In 2026:

*	Total annual contributions can reach $20,000
*	Some working beneficiaries may contribute additional amounts based
on earnings

Family members, employers, and others can also contribute to an ABLE
account, as long as annual limits are not exceeded.

Choosing an ABLE Account

Nearly every state offers an ABLE program, and many allow out-of-state
residents to enroll. CNBC notes that it can be helpful to:

*	Start by reviewing your home state's ABLE plan
*	Compare fees, investment options, and available features
*	Check whether your state offers tax deductions for contributions

Some plans also offer optional debit cards, which can make it easier to pay
for qualified expenses.

A Powerful but Underused Tool

Despite their benefits, ABLE accounts remain underused. Many people simply
don't realize they qualify - especially those whose disability developed
gradually or became more significant later in life.

Penny Forward believes this expansion is an important opportunity for people
with blindness and low vision to build savings, invest for the future, and
increase financial independence while protecting essential benefits.

Read in CNBC:  <https://apple.news/Ab2E81I5dTh2eqGossGuIlw>
https://apple.news/Ab2E81I5dTh2eqGossGuIlw

What's Next?

Did you find this information helpful? Subscribe to our newsletter and
receive a free copy of our "Seven Steps to Financial Fitness" guide. It's a
great resource, filled with tips written by and for blind people on the path
to financial wellness. Plus, you'll be the first to hear about upcoming free
events and content that might interest you. Connect with us today and take
your next step toward financial empowerment!

https://www.pennyforward.com/connect/

 

Regards,

 

Chris Peterson, AFCR

Founder and CEO, Penny Forward

Blind People Building Bright Futures One Penny At A Time

Schedule a Meeting <https://calendly.com/chris-peterson-pfwd/> 

Email: chris at pennyforward.com <mailto:chris at pennyforward.com> 

Phone: 1 (888) 332-5558 <tel:+18883325558> 

Web site: www.pennyforward.com <http://www.pennyforward.com/> 



  _____  

 

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