The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. To celebrate the 28th anniversary of its enactment, visit GII’s Legislative Action Center and ask your legislators to support the ABLE Age Adjustment Act (S.817/HR 1874). This bill would increase the eligibility for Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts for onset of disability from prior to age 26 to prior to age 46 so that millions more people with disabilities can take advantage of this important savings tool. Despite nearly three decades under ADA law, people with disabilities regularly encounter discrimination in many aspects of life, including lacking financial opportunities to save for their future and enhance their quality of life. Together we can advocate to #ExpandABLE and pass the #ABLEAgeAdjustmentAct.
ABLE accounts are important to people with disabilities because they allow them the opportunity to save more than $2000 in assets -to be spent on disability related expenses – without jeopardizing their much-needed public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Currently, there are thirty-eight states with ABLE programs, however National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) data shows that the number of ABLE accounts being opened is much lower than anticipated. Unfortunately, only people whose disabilities occurred prior to age 26 are currently eligible for ABLE accounts. By increasing age of onset from before age 26 to before age 46, this bill will enable at least 6 million more people with disabilities to open an ABLE account and enhance their financial independence and quality of life. It will also increase the likelihood that ABLE programs across the country will be sustainable and costs will be kept low.
The long-term sustainability, availability, and affordability of some ABLE programs for individuals with disabilities are in doubt without this expansion of eligibility. Whether or not you are currently eligible for an ABLE account, we all have a stake in ensuring the success of ABLE programs so that they are sustainable and so that costs for all ABLE account owners are kept low. Please contact Congress to cosponsor the ABLE Age Adjustment Act today!
