CNBC reported on January 1, 2026 that millions more Americans are now eligible to open and contribute to ABLE accounts, a major expansion that could significantly impact people with disabilities — including people who are blind or have low vision.
ABLE accounts, short for Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts, are tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts designed to help people with disabilities build financial security without putting vital benefits at risk.
What Changed on January 1, 2026
According to CNBC, eligibility for ABLE accounts expanded at the start of 2026 due to a change in federal law.
Previously, a qualifying disability had to begin before age 26.
Now, that age limit has increased to before age 46.
As a result, an estimated 6 million additional Americans are now eligible to open ABLE accounts.
This change is especially important for people whose blindness or low vision existed from birth or early life but did not fully manifest until later, including many genetic conditions. Even if blindness occurred later, you may still qualify as long as the underlying condition began before age 46.
Why ABLE Accounts Matter for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision
ABLE accounts are a powerful wealth-building tool because they allow people to save and invest money without losing access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, up to certain limits.
For people with blindness or low vision, ABLE accounts can help pay for:
- Housing and rent
- Education and training
- Assistive technology
- Health care and transportation
- Other qualified disability-related expenses
Money in an ABLE account can grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are not taxed.
Account holders can have up to $100,000 in an ABLE account without affecting SSI eligibility — far more than the $2,000 limit applied to traditional savings accounts.
Who Can Open an ABLE Account
As CNBC explains, ABLE accounts are available to individuals who:
- Are eligible for SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance, or
- Can self-certify a qualifying medical condition that began before age 46
Blindness, as defined by the Social Security Administration, is a qualifying condition. A written diagnosis from a licensed physician is required for self-certification, but proof is not submitted when opening the account.
Contribution Limits for 2026
In 2026:
- Total annual contributions can reach $20,000
- Some working beneficiaries may contribute additional amounts based on earnings
Family members, employers, and others can also contribute to an ABLE account, as long as annual limits are not exceeded.
Choosing an ABLE Account
Nearly every state offers an ABLE program, and many allow out-of-state residents to enroll. CNBC notes that it can be helpful to:
- Start by reviewing your home state’s ABLE plan
- Compare fees, investment options, and available features
- Check whether your state offers tax deductions for contributions
Some plans also offer optional debit cards, which can make it easier to pay for qualified expenses.
A Powerful but Underused Tool
Despite their benefits, ABLE accounts remain underused. Many people simply don’t realize they qualify — especially those whose disability developed gradually or became more significant later in life.
Penny Forward believes this expansion is an important opportunity for people with blindness and low vision to build savings, invest for the future, and increase financial independence while protecting essential benefits.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/Ab2E81I5dTh2eqGossGuIlw
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