(From the Office of Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague)
As of January 1, 2026, the federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act has extended eligibility for ABLE accounts by raising the age of disability onset from 26 to 46. This impactful change will allow thousands more individuals to save and invest without affecting federal benefits. This includes adults who developed disabilities later in life, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and guardians or Authorized Legal Representatives supporting adults with disabilities.
“This new eligibility expansion will allow so many more Ohioans to take advantage of the empowerment, independence, and financial security that STABLE Account offers to those living with disabilities,” said Treasurer Sprague. “Our office is excited to share the news about STABLE Account with more communities, while continuing to offer benefits like the STABLE Account Enrollment Incentive to those in our state and beyond.”
Under Treasurer Sprague’s leadership, Ohio’s STABLE Account program has gained popularity, with overall participation growing from fewer than 10,000 accounts in January 2019 to more than 52,000 active accounts today.
STABLE accounts are 529-like specialized savings and investment accounts for people living with disabilities. The accounts allow individuals to save and invest their money without fearing the loss of means-tested benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Accountholders can save up to $20,000 annually without losing federal assistance, and they can save an additional $15,060 each year if they’re employed. Earnings on STABLE accounts grow tax-free if they are spent on qualified expenses, which include housing, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, assistive technology, and more.
In 2024, Treasurer Sprague announced the launch of the STABLE Account Enrollment Incentive to encourage more eligible Ohioans to open an account. Through the incentive, STABLE Account matches the first $25 that an eligible individual contributes when opening a new account. This matched contribution provides new accountholders with an instantaneous boost toward growing their money and beginning their investment journey. Beginning this year, the Enrollment Incentive will be available nationwide to anyone wishing to open a STABLE Account and begin their savings and investment journey.
Through STABLE Account, Ohioans living with disabilities can enjoy a higher quality of life and build a strong financial future. Signing up for a STABLE account takes about 20 minutes and can be done online from home. For more information about STABLE accounts and to sign up, visit www.stableaccount.com.