Disability & Long-Term Care · Surprise rank #402
Disabled and on SSI? Save $100K Without Triggering the Usual $2,000 Asset Limit
NY ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without the balance counting against strict Medicaid/SSI asset limits.
Who
People whose qualifying disability began before age 46, reflecting the expanded federal age rule effective in 2026.
Where: Available to eligible New York residents and qualified beneficiaries nationwide.
What to do
Start here: Review NY ABLE eligibility and the disclosure booklet before opening or funding an account.
Eligibility: Disability onset before age 46 and federal ABLE eligibility; annual contribution and qualified-expense rules.
What you get
An eligible person whose disability began before age 46 can save for qualified disability expenses without the first $100,000 counting toward SSI’s resource limit.
Benefit: A tax-advantaged savings and investment account; qualified withdrawals are tax-free and public-benefit resource rules are modified.
Possible value: Up to $100,000 excluded from SSI resource counting; annual contributions are generally capped at $20,000 in 2026, with an additional work contribution possible.
Good to know
Important: Amounts above $100,000 can suspend SSI cash benefits; nonqualified withdrawals and retained housing distributions can create tax or benefit consequences.
Availability: Open year-round.
Why people miss it: Families are told to keep assets below $2,000 and do not learn that ABLE creates a lawful savings route.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026