January 1, 2026, marks a major milestone for the disability community in Florida and across the country. That’s when the ABLE Age Adjustment Act goes into effect—raising the age of disability onset for ABLE account eligibility from age 26 to age 46. With this change, millions of additional Americans with disabilities—including many Floridians—will gain access to an ABLE account—a powerful savings and investment tool offered by ABLE United, Florida’s ABLE program.
What’s Changing—and Why It Matters
Since 2014, ABLE accounts have allowed individuals with disabilities to save and invest for qualified expenses with the potential for tax-free earnings, all without impacting their eligibility for public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. But the original legislation limited eligibility to individuals whose disability began before age 26—a threshold that excluded many with later-onset disabilities.
That’s changing.
Beginning in 2026, individuals with a disability onset before their 46th birthday will be eligible to open an ABLE account. According to some national projections, this expanded eligibility will open the doors to an estimated 6 million more individuals, including more than 1 million veterans.
For Florida residents, this change is particularly impactful. ABLE United has long been a leader in helping individuals with disabilities build financial independence. Now, with the eligibility window expanding, thousands more Floridians will be able to take control of their financial futures.
Who Stands to Benefit?
The new age threshold includes individuals with a severe diagnosis, disability, or condition from life events that frequently occur later in life, such as:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Lupus
- Hearing and vision loss
- Service-connected disabilities among veterans
This expansion is a game-changer for adults who have previously fallen outside of ABLE’s scope. It also benefits those who may now be aging into new stages of life, facing increased expenses and looking for smarter ways to save without jeopardizing critical support.
Preparing for 2026: What You Can Do Now
Though the expanded eligibility won’t begin until January 1, 2026, now is the time to get informed. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Stay Informed: Visit our landing page to sign up for updates about the Age Adjustment Act, including key milestones, enrollment details, and resources to help you get started.
- Educate Yourself and Your Network: Many who will become eligible may not be aware of ABLE at all. Learn more about ABLE by visiting our overview page, then help spread the word within your circles—especially among veterans, nonprofits, social media, and medical professionals.
- Start the Conversation: If you or someone you care for may qualify under the new rules, reach out to learn how an ABLE account could fit into your financial plan.
Looking Ahead
As we count down to 2026, ABLE United is working to ensure a seamless rollout of the expanded eligibility. We are committed to offering tools, resources, and personal support to help new account holders make the most of what ABLE has to offer.
The ABLE Age Adjustment Act reflects a growing recognition that disability can happen at any point in life—and that everyone deserves the chance to plan, save, and thrive. For Florida’s disability community, the future just got a lot more empowering.
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