Save More with Hawaii’s ABLE Program!

An ABLE account makes it easier for people with disabilities—and their families—to plan for a secure future and cover essential costs. Here’s how you can use an ABLE account for qualified disability expenses (QDEs):

• Education – Cover tuition, certificates, and other learning expenses.

• Housing – Use funds for rent, mortgage, and housing needs.

• Transportation – Pay for vehicle purchases or other travel expenses.

• Health – Support healthcare, prevention, wellness, and other health costs.

• Employment – Get help with employment training and support, including job-finding and maintenance.

• Assistive Technology – Fund assistive devices and related services.

• Personal Support Services – Access support services tailored to help with disability needs.

• Financial Management – Cover financial management and administrative services.

• Legal Fees – Use funds for legal fees to support oversight and monitoring.

• Funeral and Burial – Plan ahead for funeral and burial expenses.

• Basic Living – Support everyday essentials like food and other living costs.

• Plus, distributions used for QDEs are tax-free to the beneficiary!

Ready to empower a brighter future? Learn more about how ABLE accounts can make a difference today here.

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If you’ve ever worried about saving too much and losing Medicaid benefits, Hawaii’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program can help you keep your benefits while building financial freedom. With an ABLE account, you can save and grow your money without affecting your Medicaid or SSI benefits. Here’s why this program is a game-changer:

• Save More, Worry Less
  • Save up to $19,000 each year, plus an extra $14,580 if you’re working, thanks to the ABLE to Work Act. Here’s how it works:
    • You can add the smaller amount of: How much you earn in 2025, OR
    • $17,310 (the Federal Poverty Level for one person in 2024).
    • This extra contribution is on top of the regular ABLE account limit.
• Simple Eligibility
  • If you’re a U.S. citizen with a qualifying disability that began before age 26 (changing to 46 in 2026!). This Hawaii’s ABLE Program is for you.
• Stay Within Limits, Keep Your Benefits
  • The first $100,000 in your account won’t affect SSI, and Social Security and Medicaid won’t count ABLE funds unless they go over:
    • $100,000 – SSI could pause
    • $500,000 – Medicaid could pause
• Easy Contributions
  • Friends, family, and even employers can deposit directly into your ABLE account, and cash gifts don’t count as income for SSI.
• Use Funds for What Matters Most
  • Spend your savings on essentials, from housing and transportation to job support and assistive technology.  
• Start saving confidently with Hawaii’s ABLE Program – your path to a brighter financial future without losing essential benefits! This includes:
  • Health care
  • Other services that help with your health, independence, or quality of life
  • Fun activities (but not gambling or illegal activities)

Remember, an ABLE account aims to help you “Achieve a Better Life Experience.” You should consider how best to use your ABLE account, regular bank accounts, and Special Needs Trusts.

For more information about Hawaii’s ABLE Savings Program, you can visit the state’s Department of Budget and Finance website.