The AZ ABLE Account: A Parent's Guide

AZ ABLE — Arizona's ABLE program, run on the STABLE platform — lets families of autistic children save without the $2,000 SSI resource limit punishing every dollar, and Arizona taxpayers can deduct their contributions from Arizona income.

Confirm current details at az-able.com before enrolling.

Quick facts

• Program: AZ ABLE, offered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security in partnership with Ohio's STABLE program
• 2026 contribution limit: $20,000 per year from all sources combined
• Arizona tax benefit: Arizona residents and taxpayers may deduct their ABLE contributions from Arizona adjusted gross income (to the extent not already deducted federally)
• SSI protection: First $100,000 excluded from SSI's resource limit; AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) unaffected at any balance
• New in 2026: Eligibility expanded to anyone whose disability began before age 46

How ABLE accounts work

An ABLE account is a federally authorized savings and investment account for people whose disability began early in life. A childhood autism diagnosis meets the age-of-onset requirement; eligibility comes through SSI/SSDI or a physician's disability certification, self-certified at enrollment. Earnings grow tax-free, qualified withdrawals are tax-free, and the balance stays off the books for means-tested benefits. One account per person; anyone can contribute. Full background in our complete ABLE accounts guide.

What you can pay for

Anything supporting health, independence, or quality of life: uncovered therapy costs, AAC devices and assistive technology, education and tutoring, housing and rent, transportation, sensory equipment, personal support services, respite care, and legal or financial fees. The STABLE Visa card with spending controls makes everyday spending and record-keeping practical. Non-qualified withdrawals cost tax plus a 10% penalty on earnings.

Arizona's tax deduction

Arizona taxpayers may deduct their contributions to an ABLE account from Arizona adjusted gross income — check current limits and mechanics with your tax preparer at filing time. Beyond the deduction: tax-free growth, tax-free qualified withdrawals, and potential federal Saver's Credit eligibility for a working adult account owner. AZ ABLE's partnership with STABLE gives Arizona residents partner-state pricing.

How to open an account

1. Enroll online at az-able.com — minimum opening deposit around $25
2. Self-certify eligibility (SSI/SSDI or physician certification, onset before age 46)
3. Choose investments — Vanguard-based options plus an FDIC-insured savings option
4. Order the STABLE card and set up automatic contributions

Parents and guardians can open and manage the account for a minor or an adult child who needs support.

Protecting SSI and AHCCCS

Up to $100,000 is fully disregarded for SSI; above that, SSI is suspended — not terminated — until the balance falls back below the line. AHCCCS and DDD services are unaffected at any balance.

FAQ

ABLE account or special needs trust? Usually both — the ABLE account for day-to-day disability spending including housing, a trust for large assets. The trust can distribute into the ABLE account.

Can we roll over an AZ529 plan? Yes, 529-to-ABLE rollovers are permanently allowed within the annual limit.

General information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm current details at az-able.com.

Related guides

• ABLE accounts: the complete guide
• Ohio STABLE account
• California ABLE account (CalABLE)