Floridians with Disabilities: What Happens When Disability Onset Occurs Later in Life?
Published on
February 2, 2026
For many years, adults who acquired a disability later in life assumed ABLE accounts weren’t meant for them. Until recently, eligibility was limited to individuals whose disability onset occurred before age 26 — leaving out millions who experienced disability due to injury, illness, or chronic health conditions in adulthood.
That changed this year. With the ABLE Age Adjustment Act now in effect, adults whose disability onset occurred before age 46 may now be eligible to open an ABLE United account, making it possible for more Floridians to save for disability-related expenses without impacting SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Common Questions from Newly Eligible Adults
- Q: Do I need to be receiving disability benefits?
A: Not necessarily. Eligibility can be based on SSDI/SSI qualification or self-certification.
- Q: What can the account be used for?
A: Qualified disability expenses include health care, housing, transportation, assistive technology, therapy, employment support, and daily living needs.
- Q: Can I still work and save?
A: Yes. ABLE accounts can be used alongside employment income; however, they do not shelter income from benefit programs, only assets.
- Q: Can savings affect my benefits?
A: ABLE accounts are designed to protect eligibility for means-tested benefits.
A legal professional who works with adults adjusting to disability shared this perspective:
“For many clients, the ability to save — including up to $100,000 that can be excluded from SSI asset limits¹ — without risking essential benefits provides peace of mind during an already complex period of transition. The added benefit of tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses offers another layer of financial confidence."
— Edward Kemm, CLTC, Private Wealth Adviser at IronBridge Wealth Counsel, LLC
For adults navigating newly acquired disabilities or recent diagnoses, the transition can come with questions about independence, benefits, and next steps. The Self-Advocacy Resources page from Disability Rights Florida offers helpful information for understanding rights, navigating systems, and advocating for support.
