If your disability began before age 46, you may now qualify — even if you were told no before
For many families living with a disability, saving money has long felt complicated.
Some federal benefi t programs have strict asset limits, which can make it difficult to build savings without risking eligibility. Washington State has a program designed to change that, and recent changes to federal law now make it available to more people than ever before.
The Washington State ABLE Savings Plan is a tax-advantaged investment account for eligible people with disabilities. ABLE — Achieving a Better Life Experience — was created by federal law to give people with disabilities a safe, legal way to build savings without affecting eligibility for most state and federal benefits. It is not a benefit payment. It is an account you own and control.
Who May Be Eligible
To open a WA ABLE account, a person must meet all of the following:
- Live in Washington State.
- Have a qualifying disability that began before age 46.
- Have a condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at le ast one year.
AND EITHER: - Meet SSI or SSDI eligibility criteria, or have a qualifying blindness condition.
OR - Have a signed diagnosis from a licensed physician, subject to program
requirements.
You do not need to currently receive SSI or Medicaid to qualify. ABLE is open to any eligible individual, including people who work, people who are not receiving government benefits, and individuals regardless of their current age, as long as the qualifying disability began before age 46. If you were told you did not qualify before, it is worth checking again — the rules have changed.
What Can a WA ABLE Account Be Used For?
Funds in a WA ABLE account can be used for qualified disability-related expenses as defined by federal law. Approved uses include housing, transportation, healthcare, and education, among others. The full list of qualified expenses is defined by IRS guidelines and is intended to include a broad range of possibilities depending on the person’s needs. Generally, if the expense maintains or improves the health,
independence, or quality of life of the person living with a disability, it may be considered a qualified disability expense.
Why It Matters
One of the most important features of a WA ABLE account is that it allows individuals receiving SSI to save beyond the standard $2,000 asset limit without affecting their SSI eligibility. For many families, this removes a barrier that has long made financial planning feel out of reach.
Beyond benefit protection, account holders can order an optional prepaid ABLE card they can use to access their funds. Money can be added through bank transfer, direct deposit, or contributions from family and friends. The account can be used to plan for a home, education, future needs, or everyday expenses — giving individuals with disabilities greater independence and control over their own financial lives.
How to Get Started
Opening a WA ABLE account takes about 10 minutes online. Washington ABLE can answer questions about eligibility, how the account works, and next steps. If you move out of Washington State, you may roll over your account to another state’s ABLE plan. Materials and support are available in multiple languages.
To fi nd out whether you or a family member may be eligible, visit ww w.washingtonstateable.com, or contact the Washington State ABLE Savings Plan directly.
WA ABLE believes you are the best person to determine what financial decisions are right for your situation. We’re here to support you.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WA ABLE SAVINGS PLAN
Website: washingtonstateable.com (Live Chat available)
Phone: 1-844-600-2253 | Dial 711 for TRS Speech
Additional resources: abletoday.org