Treasurer Diossa Raises Awareness of Expanded ABLE Eligibility
Published on Monday, January 05, 2026
Providence, RI – Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa is raising awareness about an expansion to the Rhode Island ABLE Program that will allow more Rhode Islanders with disabilities to save for their future while protecting critical public benefits. Beginning January 1, 2026, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act raises the age of disability onset from 26 to 46, opening eligibility to thousands more Rhode Islanders across the state.
“Treasury is committed to helping people with disabilities build lasting financial security,” said Treasurer James Diossa. “Thanks to the federal expansion of ABLE eligibility, more Rhode Islanders can save for everyday needs and long-term goals without risking essential benefits. I am grateful to our federal delegation for their steadfast support of this legislation.”
“I voted to establish and expand the power of ABLE accounts to help more Rhode Islanders save for their future. Much like a 529 plan, ABLE accounts help people with disabilities and their loved ones plan for the future through tax-advantaged savings accounts that can be used to pay for certain disability-related expenses. I am pleased this expanded financial tool, signed into law by President Biden, will be helping people with disabilities and their families,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
“Thanks to a change in federal law, more Rhode Islanders with disabilities will be able to use this pathway to build financial stability. I commend Treasurer Diossa for getting the expanded Rhode Island ABLE program up and running for 2026” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
“Every Rhode Islander deserves a secure financial future, including those with disabilities. and this enhancement of the ABLE program will help more people save, invest and live more fulsome lives” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. I commend Treasurer Diossa for continuing to prioritize the success and growth of the ABLE program.”
“Expanding ABLE account eligibility through federal law is a major step forward for Rhode Islanders with disabilities and their families,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. "I’m grateful Treasurer Diossa is making sure Rhode Islanders take advantage of this opportunity to improve the lives of people with disabilities.”
ABLE accounts help individuals with disabilities and their families build savings while protecting benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Earnings grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified expenses. Eligible individuals can save up to $20,000 per year, with contributions from family and friends. Funds may be used for housing, education, transportation, healthcare, employment support, and more. To qualify, an individual must have a disability that began before age 46 and either receive SSI or SSDI or meet Social Security disability criteria.
To learn more, join a free Zoom webinar hosted by the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College in partnership with the General Treasurer and Ascensus on January 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
To open an ABLE account or learn more, visit savewithable.com/ri/home.html.
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