RISEI Lab · Interactive Tool · Beta

ABLE Eligibility & Benefit Interaction Explorer.

Walk through five short questions about your age, current benefits, work, savings goals, and state. In a couple of minutes you get a personalized read on whether ABLE fits your situation, how it would interact with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare, what contribution limits apply to you, and what to do next.

🔒 No data leaves your browser ~ 3 minutes Educational, not legal advice

This is an educational demo, not legal or financial advice. Every result you see is based on general rules described in the ABLE Act and SSA policy as of 2024, and is designed to help you have a better first conversation with a certified benefits counselor. Actual eligibility decisions come from the Social Security Administration, your state Medicaid agency, and the state ABLE program. Before making any decision, we strongly recommend meeting with a free Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) — see Chapter 02 of the Resource Center for how to find one.

Step 1 · About you Step 2 · Your benefits Step 3 · Work Step 4 · Savings goals Step 5 · Your state Results

A note before you start.

This tool asks you five short groups of questions. It takes about three minutes. You can go back at any time. Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere.

You are the expert on your situation. If a question does not match your case, pick the closest option and add a note when you talk to a benefits counselor.
Some words are technical. When you see a word like "SGA" or "CWIC" for the first time, we spell it out. Ask a benefits counselor if anything is unclear.
This is educational. It is not legal or financial advice. All final answers about eligibility come from Social Security, your state Medicaid office, and your state ABLE program.
You can zoom in. Use your browser to zoom the page in (Ctrl+Plus / ⌘+Plus). All text should still fit and stay readable.

If you would rather read the material first before answering questions, use the plain-language ABLE Basics page or the Brief for Families.

Step 01 of 05 · About you

Let's start with your age and disability history.

ABLE eligibility depends on when a qualifying disability began. As of January 1, 2026, the threshold is before age 46 (up from age 26 under the original 2014 statute).

Your current age

Used to check contribution rules and whether the January 2026 age expansion applies to you.

Please enter your age (0 to 120).

Age when your disability began

If you're not sure, enter your best estimate. If your disability is congenital, enter 0.

Please enter the onset age (0 to 120).

Has your disability been verified?

Yes — through SSAI currently receive SSI or SSDI, or SSA has previously determined I meet the disability criteria. Yes — through a physicianA doctor has certified in writing that I meet the SSI/SSDI medical criteria, even though I don't receive benefits. Not yetI have a disability but I haven't applied for benefits or gotten a physician certification. I'll need one of these before opening an ABLE account.

Please choose one.

Step 02 of 05 · Your current benefits

Which benefits do you currently receive?

Different benefits interact with ABLE in different ways. Check every box that applies.

SSI — Supplemental Security IncomeMonthly cash payment based on financial need. Has a $2,000 asset limit. SSDI — Social Security Disability InsuranceMonthly benefit based on your work history. No asset limit. MedicaidHealth coverage. In most states, tied to the SSI rule and its $2,000 asset limit. MedicareHealth coverage for older adults and long-term SSDI beneficiaries. No asset limit. VA benefitsDisability compensation or pension through the Department of Veterans Affairs. SNAP · Housing assistance · TANF · other means-testedSNAP food benefits, HUD Section 8 or public housing, or other state programs with income or asset tests. None of the aboveI don't currently receive any of these benefits. I'm exploring ABLE for tax-advantaged savings.

Please pick at least one option (or "None of the above").

Step 03 of 05 · Work & earnings

Are you working — or thinking about working?

Working while on SSI or SSDI is possible with careful planning. ABLE has a special provision called ABLE to Work that lets working account holders contribute above the standard annual limit.

Not currently workingI'm not in the workforce right now, and I'm not actively pursuing a job. Working part-timeI have a job that's less than 30 hours per week. Working full-timeI have a job that's 30 hours per week or more. Looking for workI'm applying, interviewing, or in vocational rehabilitation planning to start a job soon.

Please pick one.

Approximate monthly gross earnings from work

Total pay before taxes are taken out. If you have variable hours, enter your typical month. Enter 0 if you don't know.

Step 04 of 05 · Savings & goals

What are you saving for?

ABLE funds can be spent on a broad list of qualified disability expenses. Knowing your goals helps us tell you what kinds of contributions and distributions to plan for.

Approximate current countable savings (outside any ABLE account)

Rough total of your checking, savings, non-retirement investments. Countable resources under $2,000 keep you within the SSI limit. Enter 0 if unsure.

What might you use ABLE funds for? (Check all that apply)

Emergency fundCushion for unexpected expenses so I don't have to spend down each month. HousingRent, mortgage, home modifications, utilities. TransportationVehicle purchase, adapted vehicle, transit costs, rides. Health & wellnessMedical, dental, therapy, prevention. Education & trainingTuition, books, tutoring, adult education, certification. Employment supportJob coaching, work-related transportation, work clothing, assistive tech for work. Personal support servicesCare attendants, respite care, community integration. Assistive technologyWheelchair, communication device, screen reader, other adaptive equipment. Legal & financial servicesSpecial needs trust, advocacy, tax help, financial planning.

How much do you expect to contribute in a typical year? (rough estimate)

The federal annual contribution cap is $18,000 for 2024 (matches the gift-tax exclusion). Working account holders may contribute more under ABLE to Work.

Step 05 of 05 · Your state

Which state do you live in?

State programs differ on tax deductions, in-state benefits, and Medicaid estate-recovery policy. Four states don't run a home program yet — but any eligible person can open an account through Ohio's STABLE platform.

Your state of residence

We use your state to look up program launch date, tax deduction status, and cross-border options.

Please pick your state.

What to do with these results

The next step is a free conversation with a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC). CWICs are trained by the Social Security Administration and can walk through your award letter, your specific state, and any planned employment or savings decision with real numbers. Every state has one.