Image of the ABLE NRC logo

2025 ABLE Basics Recording

The ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC)

Watch it on YouTube

  • Financial
  • Premium Content, Resource Summary, Video

Key Takeaways

  • Save without losing benefits. ABLE accounts let eligible people with disabilities accumulate up to $100,000 without affecting SSI and any amount (to the plan cap) without affecting Medicaid, SNAP, HUD housing, and more.
  • Generous contribution limits. In 2025 you (and anyone who wants to chip in) can deposit $19,000, and working account‑owners may add up to $15,600 more—tax‑free growth included.
  • Eligibility is expanding. Today, onset of disability must be before age 26; on 1 Jan 2026 that jumps to before 46, opening the door for roughly 6 million more Americans.
  • Spending is flexible. “Qualified Disability Expenses” cover basics such as food and housing, health care, technology, education, transportation, and even funeral costs—whatever supports health, independence, or quality of life.
  • Choosing a plan is easy. Forty‑six states (plus DC) offer 49 plans—many accept out‑of‑state residents. ABLE NRC’s comparison tools and decision guides make side‑by‑side shopping simple.

The Essentials

The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act turned traditional disability savings rules on their head. Instead of forcing people to choose between building a safety net and keeping life‑sustaining public benefits, ABLE accounts allow tax‑advantaged saving and uninterrupted access to programs like SSI and Medicaid.

In this 2025 refresher, ABLE NRC walks viewers through the nuts and bolts: eligibility, contributions, the coming age‑of‑onset expansion, and the broad spectrum of qualified expenses—from rent to assistive tech. Practical tools abound: interactive state map, fee comparisons, decision guides, and “ABLE Ambassador” stories that show real‑world wins. The tone is clear and encouraging, underscoring one big idea: financial stability is a cornerstone of living well with a disability.

Why This Matters For FND

Many people with Functional Neurological Disorder face unpredictable symptoms that make steady employment hard and elevate day‑to‑day costs (medical copays, adaptive equipment, transportation, home modifications). An ABLE account creates a protected bucket for savings or gifts that can fund these extras without risking essential benefits—critical when flares limit income or increase expenses. The upcoming age‑adjustment is especially relevant; adult‑onset FND often strikes well after childhood, so 2026 may open the door for a large portion of our community.

Resource Qualities

Applicability:

Accessibility:

Evidence-Based:

Practical Value:

Practical Application

For Individuals With FND

Low-Energy Days

  • Bookmark ABLE NRC’s Plan Comparison page and note your state’s initial‑deposit requirement (often only $25).
  • Jot down questions for your next doctor visit about documenting age‑of‑onset.

Building Lifelong Wellness

  • Open an ABLE account and schedule an automatic $10–$25 monthly transfer from your checking account—small, consistent deposits build resilience.
  • Revisit your investment mix every 12 months or when symptoms alter income stability.

For Care Partners

Supporting Your Loved One

  • Watch the first 10 minutes together and list upcoming expenses ABLE funds could cover (e.g., durable medical equipment, ride‑share costs).
  • Help your loved one gather paperwork (ID, Social Security number, physician certification if needed) and compare two top plans on fees and debit‑card options.

Caring For Yourself

  • For your own wellbeing, attend an ABLE NRC webinar to reduce financial‑caregiver stress.

When This Is Most Helpful

  • Newly diagnosed adults exploring benefit eligibility
  • Anyone approaching the $2,000 SSI resource limit
  • Families planning for high‑cost interventions (home modifications, adaptive tech)
  • Individuals ready to return to part‑time work and safeguard new earnings

This summary is for informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or medical advice. Always consult qualified professionals about your specific circumstances.

Scroll to Top