This bill, the Stephen Wira ABLE Act, raises the ABLE account balance limit that is disregarded for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility from $\$100,000$ to $\$150,000$ starting in 2026, with future adjustments for inflation.
Debbie Dingell
Representative
MI-6
This bill, the "Stephen Wira ABLE Act," amends the existing ABLE Act to increase the amount of funds in an ABLE account that are excluded when determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Specifically, it raises the resource exclusion threshold from $\$100,000$ to $\$150,000$ starting in 2026, with future adjustments indexed to inflation. This change aims to allow individuals with disabilities to save more without jeopardizing their SSI benefits.
Stephen Wira ABLE Act Boosts Savings Limit for Disability Accounts to $150,000 Starting in 2026
The Stephen Wira ABLE Act updates the rules for ABLE accounts—special tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities—by significantly raising the ceiling on how much you can save before losing government support. Under current law, if your ABLE account balance crosses the $100,000 mark, those funds start counting as a 'resource,' which can trigger a suspension of your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This bill bumps that threshold up to $150,000 effective January 1, 2026, allowing individuals to build a larger financial safety net without the fear of losing their monthly income floor.
Breathing Room for Long-Term Savings
For many people living with disabilities, saving for the future is a balancing act between preparing for emergencies and staying eligible for essential benefits. By raising the limit to $150,000, the bill provides more flexibility for major life expenses, such as specialized housing, accessible vehicles, or long-term care. For example, a young professional with a disability who is working and saving for a home down payment can now keep an extra $50,000 in their ABLE account without seeing their SSI check disappear. This change directly addresses the 'benefits cliff' that often penalizes people for trying to achieve financial independence.
Future-Proofing the Safety Net
Beyond the initial $50,000 boost, the bill introduces a permanent fix to ensure these savings limits don't get stuck in the past. Starting after 2026, the $150,000 threshold will be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), meaning it will automatically adjust for inflation every year. The Social Security Commissioner is required to calculate this new number annually and publish it by November 1 of the preceding year. This ensures that as the cost of living goes up, the amount of money you’re allowed to save keeps pace, removing the need for Congress to pass a new law every time the economy shifts.