Historic New MiABLE age Expansion Doubles Program Eligibility in Michigan, Recognizing that Disability can Happen at Any Time

In a historic expansion of the state’s disability savings program, Michigan today invited up to 1 million people with disabilities — along with families and caregivers who support them —to explore MiABLE, extending eligibility to individuals whose disability began before 46.

The change follows recent federal updates to ABLE eligibility rules, allowing states like Michigan to expand access to more working-age adults with disabilities.

The announcement was made during a virtual event featuring individuals directly impacted by the change to include adults whose disability began before age 46, nearly doubling the number of Michiganders who may qualify. Disability rights advocates praised the policy for expanding financial independence and opportunity.

“Disability doesn’t follow a timeline and our policies shouldn’t either,” said state Rep. Sharon MacDonell, chair of the Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus. “This expansion modernizes MiABLE to reflect real life by ensuring adults with disabilities can plan responsibly, stay independent and fully participate in their communities and Michigan’s economic success.”

MiABLE allows eligible individuals to save and invest for qualified disability-related expenses — including housing modifications, assistive technology, transportation, education and employment supports — without jeopardizing eligibility for critical benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.

“MiABLE helps people with disabilities plan on their own terms, instead of being forced to react in moments of crisis,” said R. Scott de Varona, MiABLE executive director. “This expansion is about independence, stability and the chance to plan for what comes next.”

State officials emphasized that MiABLE is not limited to individuals currently receiving public benefits. Many eligible residents are working, earning income, operating businesses or supporting families but still face disability-related costs that require planning and financial flexibility.

Opening a MiABLE account is as simple as opening a bank account and can be accomplished within minutes. For more information or to open an account, visit Michigan.gov/MiABLE.

Several Michiganders shared how the age expansion changes the ability to prepare for the future after acquiring disabilities later in life.

“When you acquire a disability, there are so many unknowns like medical decisions, financial pressures and questions about the future,” said Aaron Martinuzzi of Livonia. “MiABLE gives people like me a way to save responsibly without fear. The age expansion finally recognizes that disability can happen at any stage of life, and people deserve the ability to plan forward instead of constantly reacting to uncertainty.”

Sarah Perez of Linden said the expansion provides peace of mind for adults managing ongoing disability-related costs.

“Living with a disability often means facing expenses most people never think about, including transportation, adaptive equipment and ongoing supports,” Perez said. “MiABLE allows people to plan ahead, build security and maintain independence. This change sends a powerful message that our independence matters and that our futures are worth planning for.”

Speakers also emphasized the importance of the expansion for residents in rural and suburban communities.

“No matter where you live — in the city or in rural communities — living with a disability brings unique challenges, especially when services and transportation options are farther away,” said Perez. “MiABLE provides a practical way to plan ahead without sacrificing stability. Increasing the age eligibility sends a strong message that people with a disability deserves the opportunity to save and remain independent, no matter where they live.”

The announcement also underscored MiABLE’s strong national standing and long-term sustainability. MiABLE ranks as the third-largest program within the National ABLE Alliance based on assets under management. The Alliance is a 19-member multi-state partnership that supports high-quality ABLE programs nationwide.

MiABLE currently manages more than $87.9 million in assets with more than 6,600 accounts opened. While Michigan’s program is a national leader, only about 1% of eligible residents have enrolled to date. With the expansion, nearly 1 million Michiganders may now qualify for an account.

MiABLE offers eight investment options ranging from aggressive to conservative, along with a checking account optionand a money market option, allowing account holders to choose an approach aligned with their goals. As part of the National ABLE Alliance, MiABLE provides a cost-effective, user-friendly platform , making it easier for individuals and families to start saving and planning.

MiABLE is administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury and helps individuals with disabilities and their families save for disability-related expenses without losing access to essential benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).