TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 5, 2026) – ABLE United, Florida’s official ABLE program, celebrates the federal expansion of eligibility for ABLE accounts under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, effective January 1, 2026. This historic change will raise the age of onset of disability from 26 to 46, opening the door to savings and investment for an estimated 6 million more Americans, including more than 1 million veterans. for their future while maintaining eligibility for important public benefits.
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts for individuals with disabilities. Previously, only people whose disability began before age 26 were eligible. The new law recognizes that many disabling conditions often occur later in life, including multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), systemic lupus erythematosus, vision loss, and service-connected disabilities in veterans.
In Florida alone, approximately 427,000 people with disabilities are eligible to open new ABLE accounts. To encourage savings, ABLE United is offering a $50 incentive to all new accounts opened between January 5 and April 30, 2026.
“Florida has always been a pioneer in helping people with disabilities build economic independence,” said John Finch, director of Able United. “With the Age Adjustment Act, we are extending that opportunity to thousands more Floridians: veterans, adults with late-onset health conditions, and families who have long been excluded. This is not just policy, it’s progress.”
Since 2016, Able United accounts have enabled more than 18,000 Floridians with disabilities and serious diagnoses to save and invest a total of $140 million for their everyday needs and their futures. For many, ABLE accounts allow individuals to save while protecting public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. For others, it’s a smart way to save tax-free for future expenses.
“For years, we have seen clients who develop disabilities after age 26 and are locked out of their ABLE accounts,” said Travis Fincham, a certified elder law attorney, founder of Special Needs Lawyers of Pennsylvania, and chairman of the ABLE United Board of Directors. “Now, they will finally have access to tools that will allow them to save for their future while protecting their benefits. This is a victory for dignity, autonomy and financial security.”
The Able United account allows disabled Floridians to save up to $20,000 annually while remaining eligible for public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. Family and friends can work together to maximize savings.
Funds saved in your ABLE account can be used for a variety of expenses, including assistive technology, education, housing, transportation, and health care. Registration is free and there are no monthly fees. Additionally, when withdrawals of qualified disability expenses are made, savings grow tax-free.
For more information and to review the new eligibility requirements, please visit www.ableunited.com.
