The Vermont ABLE Account: A Parent's Guide

Vermont ABLE — the state's ABLE program on the STABLE platform — lets Vermont families build savings for an autistic child that SSI's $2,000 resource limit can't punish.

Confirm current details at vermontable.com before enrolling.

Quick facts

• Program: Vermont ABLE, offered by the Vermont State Treasurer in partnership with Ohio's STABLE program
• 2026 contribution limit: $20,000 per year from all sources combined
• SSI protection: First $100,000 excluded from SSI's resource limit; Vermont Medicaid unaffected at any balance
• Vermont taxes: Vermont's VT529 credit is a separate provision — ask your tax preparer whether a credit currently applies to ABLE contributions
• 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 and automatic records makes everyday use practical. Non-qualified withdrawals cost tax plus a 10% penalty on earnings.

Vermont taxes

Vermont offers a credit for its VT529 college plan; ABLE treatment is governed separately, so confirm with your tax preparer whether any credit currently applies to Vermont ABLE 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 — plus partner-state pricing on the STABLE platform.

How to open an account

1. Enroll online at vermontable.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 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. Vermont 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 VT529? Yes, 529-to-ABLE rollovers are permanently allowed within the annual limit; ask about credit recapture first.

General information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm current details at vermontable.com.

Related guides

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