The ABLE ME Account: A Parent's Guide

ABLE ME, administered by the Maine State Treasurer, lets Maine families build savings for an autistic child that SSI's $2,000 resource limit can't punish.

Confirm current details at ableme.me.gov before enrolling.

Quick facts

• Program: ABLE ME, Office of the Maine State Treasurer
• 2026 contribution limit: $20,000 per year from all sources combined
• SSI protection: First $100,000 excluded from SSI's resource limit; MaineCare unaffected at any balance
• Maine taxes: Ask your tax preparer whether Maine currently extends a deduction to ABLE contributions — its NextGen 529 benefit is a separate provision
• 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.

Maine taxes

Maine's 529 provisions are separate statutes; confirm with your tax preparer whether any deduction currently applies to ABLE ME contributions. The reliable benefits are federal: tax-free compounding, tax-free qualified withdrawals, and potential Saver's Credit eligibility for a working adult account owner.

How to open an account

1. Enroll online through the ABLE ME portal 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
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 MaineCare

Up to $100,000 is fully disregarded for SSI; above that, SSI is suspended — not terminated — until the balance falls back below the line. MaineCare, 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 NextGen 529? Yes, 529-to-ABLE rollovers are permanently allowed within the annual limit.

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

Related guides

• ABLE accounts: the complete guide
• New Hampshire ABLE account (STABLE NH)
• Massachusetts ABLE account (Attainable)