The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has announced an important expansion to the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program, making these accounts available to many more Illinoisans with disabilities. Due to a recent change in federal law, an estimated 250,000 additional people across the state are now eligible to open an ABLE account.
Previously, eligibility was limited to individuals whose disability began before age 26. Beginning in 2026, that age threshold will increase to 46, significantly broadening access to this valuable financial tool.
ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for essential federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Before the creation of ABLE accounts, strict asset limits—generally capped at $2,000—often forced individuals to choose between saving money and maintaining vital benefits.
This expansion provides greater financial independence and flexibility, helping cover disability-related expenses such as housing, transportation, assistive technology, education and job training, and other quality-of-life needs.
To learn more about ABLE accounts and eligibility, visit illinoisable.com.
