W.Va. Treasurer Celebrates Anniversary of ABLE Savings Plans
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack today announced improvements to the West Virginia ABLE program due to the passage of the federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which includes expansion. Today also marks the 11thanniversary of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which launched a groundbreaking financial tool for eligible people with disabilities across the country. “There is truly so much to celebrate with the anniversary of the ABLE Act and the many ways our program is growing to benefit both current and future WVABLE accountholders,” State Treasurer Larry Pack said. “Making accounts more affordable, offering new ways to save, and opening enrollment to tens of thousands more West Virginians means even more people with disabilities can take control of their financial future. We are thrilled about these changes and eager to get the word out so our current and future accountholders can be informed and prepared come January 1." Since the bill was signed into law in 2014, ABLE savings accounts have helped people across the nation, including those in West Virginia, save and pay for essential expenses. Prior to the passage of the ABLE Act, individuals with a disability were not permitted to save more than $2,000 without being at risk of losing federal needs-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Since the launch of ABLE accounts, more than 223,000 accounts have been opened nationwide, with more than $2.87 billion saved for future needs with an average account balance of $12,863. There are currently more than 1,025 active WVABLE accounts in West Virginia with more than $10.5 million in total assets under management. The average account balance now stands at $10,297. The federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which is set to take effect January 1, 2026, will raise the age limit for the onset of a disability from before 26 to before 46. West Virginia residents who developed a disability or blindness before the age of 46 and are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, or have a signed Diagnosis Form from a licensed physician, are eligible to open a WVABLE account. Other changes to STABLE accounts starting January 1st, 2026, WVABLE will no longer have an account maintenance fee. This update will appear on the account holder’s first-quarter statement which will be available in April 2026. (Note: This fee elimination does not include investment or asset-based fees.) Additionally, a STABLE Account Enrollment Incentive will be available to all eligible West Virginians who open a new WVABLE account beginning January 1, 2026. Through this effort, STABLE Account will match the minimum initial deposit of $25 that the new accountholder contributes when opening an account. West Virginia residents may set up WVABLE savings accounts and learn additional information at WVABLE.com. Money in a WVABLE account can be used for a wide range of qualified disability-related expenses such as medical bills, housing, transportation, education and assistive technology. WVABLE is administered by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office through a partnership with the Ohio Treasurer’s Office STABLE program. Read the full article
