← REACHABLE 529-to-ABLE Rollover ABLE Sim
Rollover calculator

Should you move 529 college savings into an ABLE account?

The 2017 tax law allows tax-free rollover of 529 college savings into an ABLE account for the same beneficiary or a family member. Limited to the annual ABLE contribution cap.

Net benefit of moving to ABLE

$0

Adjust the sliders. Value shows the SSI asset protection plus tax-free growth advantage over keeping in 529.

Your 529 balance
Current 529 balance$25,000
Total across all 529 accounts for this beneficiary.
Contributions (not earnings)$18,000
Total dollars you deposited. Earnings above this are subject to tax and penalty if withdrawn for non-QDE.
Beneficiary's age20
Under 46 keeps ABLE eligibility available.
Years until college start (or 0 if past)3
Long horizon favors keeping 529 for tax-free qualified higher-ed use. Short horizon or no college plans favors ABLE.
Situation
Receives SSI or Medicaid?Yes
SSI counts 529 balance as an asset above $2,000. ABLE excludes up to $100k.
Attending college?Uncertain
If college is definite, 529 keeps state tax deduction and covers all higher-ed. If not, rollover to ABLE.

Side by side

Keep in 529
$25,000
Counts toward SSI $2k limit
Rollover to ABLE
$25,000
SSI safe, Medicaid excluded
If used for non-college
-$1,750
10% penalty + tax on earnings
If used for any QDE
$0
No penalty. Tax-free.
Recommendation: Rollover is likely worth it.
Related tools
ABLE SimulatorModel post-rollover growth SNT vs ABLEIf amount is above ABLE cap QDE SearchWhat ABLE can pay for Eligibility ExplorerConfirm ABLE eligible
REACHABLE is built by the RISEI Lab at Northwestern University with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services