The Arkansas ABLE Account: A Parent's Guide

The Arkansas ABLE program lets families of autistic children build savings the SSI resource limit can't punish — and Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (single) or $10,000 (joint) in contributions from state taxable income.

Confirm current details at ar.savewithable.com before enrolling.

Quick facts

• Program: Arkansas ABLE, a member of the National ABLE Alliance
• 2026 contribution limit: $20,000 per year from all sources combined
• Arkansas tax benefit: Deduct up to $5,000 (single) or $10,000 (joint) in ABLE contributions from Arkansas taxable income
• SSI protection: First $100,000 excluded from SSI's resource limit; Arkansas 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. ABLE funds can pay housing without the SSI reductions that normally follow housing help. Keep receipts; non-qualified withdrawals cost tax plus a 10% penalty on earnings.

Arkansas' tax deduction

Arkansas taxpayers can deduct ABLE contributions up to $5,000 for single filers and $10,000 for joint filers from Arkansas taxable income — a meaningful yearly benefit while building your child's protected savings. Confirm current mechanics with your tax preparer, especially if several relatives contribute. Beyond the deduction: tax-free growth, tax-free qualified withdrawals, and potential federal Saver's Credit eligibility for a working adult account owner.

How to open an account

1. Enroll online at ar.savewithable.com with your child's Social Security number
2. Self-certify eligibility (SSI/SSDI or physician certification, onset before age 46)
3. Make the minimum opening deposit and choose investments — the National ABLE Alliance lineup includes low-cost portfolios and an FDIC-insured checking option with a debit card
4. Set up automatic monthly contributions

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

Protecting SSI and Medicaid

Up to $100,000 is fully disregarded for SSI; above that, SSI is suspended — not terminated — until the balance falls back below the line. Arkansas Medicaid, including waiver services, is 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 a GIFT 529 plan? Yes, 529-to-ABLE rollovers are permanently allowed within the annual limit; ask about deduction recapture first.

General information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm current details with Arkansas ABLE.

Related guides

• ABLE accounts: the complete guide
• Autism rights and advocacy
• Missouri ABLE account (MO ABLE)