Overview
The Washington State ABLE Savings Plan is one of the most important and underused financial tools available to individuals with disabilities and their families. Authorized by the federal ABLE Act (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act) and established in Washington State in 2016, an ABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing their eligibility for critical government benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Before ABLE, the asset limit for SSI was $2,000, meaning any savings above that amount could disqualify someone from benefits. ABLE changes that equation entirely.
Who It’s For
Washington State residents whose qualifying disability began before age 46 (expanded from the original age 26 cutoff as of January 2026). This includes individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, blindness, deafness, and many other conditions, as long as the disability is documented and began before age 46.
What They Offer
- Tax-advantaged savings – Contributions grow tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses
- Benefit protection – The first $100,000 in an ABLE account is exempt from the SSI asset limit; your SSI and Medicaid are not affected as long as the balance stays below $100,000
- High account limit – Account balances can grow up to $500,000 (though amounts above $100,000 affect SSI)
- Annual contribution limit – Up to $20,000/year from all sources (2025 limit)
- ABLE to Work – Individuals who are employed can contribute additional funds beyond the standard limit (up to the federal poverty level amount — approximately $15,060 for 2025) as long as their employer doesn’t contribute to a defined contribution retirement plan on their behalf
- Flexible spending – Funds can be used for a wide range of qualified disability expenses including housing, transportation, education, health care, assistive technology, personal support services, and more
- Family and friend gifting – Every ABLE account has a customizable gifting page so family and friends can contribute directly
- Easy to open – An account can be opened in as little as 10 minutes online
Eligibility
- Washington State resident
- Have a disability that began before age 46
- The disability must qualify under SSI/SSDI criteria, OR the individual must have a written diagnosis from a licensed physician confirming a qualifying condition
An adult beneficiary with capacity can open and manage the account themselves. If the beneficiary is under 18, or lacks capacity, an Authorized Legal Representative (such as a parent, guardian, or representative payee) can open and manage it on their behalf.
How to Get Started
- Visit washingtonstateable.com to confirm eligibility and open an account (takes approximately 10 minutes)
- Choose an investment option: cash (no market exposure), conservative, moderate, or aggressive
- Set up contributions — you can contribute directly, set up recurring contributions, or share your gifting page with family and friends
- Use funds for qualified disability expenses as needed
Phone: 1-844-600-2253 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM PT | TTY: 711
