Six million more Americans including one million Veterans will be eligible for an ABLE account
Harrisburg, PA — Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced today that starting Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvanians with a disability that started prior to the age of 46 will be eligible to save through the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program. Prior to this coming expansion, participation in the program was limited to those whose disability occurred prior to the age of 26.
PA ABLE accounts provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, the opportunity to save money tax-free without impacting important benefits. Thanks to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, ABLE accounts will now be accessible to six million more Americans, including one million Veterans.
“This significant expansion of eligibility to save with PA ABLE will usher in an era of greater financial independence and security for more of our friends and family members living with disabilities,” Treasurer Garrity said. “By broadening access to PA ABLE, we are helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to flourish – a vision that was unattainable before ABLE programs.”
In 2014, federal legislation authorized states to establish ABLE programs, with Pennsylvania opening its first PA ABLE account in 2017 following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). Since then, the program has grown to become the fifth largest program in the country with over 11,500 accounts and more than $180 million saved.
PA ABLE offers a variety of investment options including a checking account where contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also free from state and federal taxes. Qualified expenses include a wide range of items such as rent, healthcare, groceries, assistive technology, vehicle modifications and much more.
Up to $19,000 in contributions to a PA ABLE account can be deducted from Pennsylvania income taxes annually. PA ABLE assets are also exempt from state inheritance tax.
New this year, anyone can contribute to a loved one’s PA ABLE account by purchasing an online gift card to be redeemed into an account, or making a gift directly through the Ugift platform with a code shared by the account owner. To learn more visit paable.gov/gift.
“PA ABLE accounts have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone to explore how this financial tool can provide security and stability for themselves or their loved ones”
Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times. She was a strong advocate for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, and the inaugural chair of the ABLE Savings Plans Network which works to strengthen ABLE programs on a national level.
To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.
STACY GARRITY, STATE TREASURER
Information provided to TVL by:
Steve Chizmar
