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CalABLE seeks outreach resources to implement federal expansion of eligibility to age 46 onset
Summary
CalABLE asked the subcommittee for a dedicated outreach position and resources to implement forthcoming federal rule changes that expand eligibility (disability onset before age 46) and to reach adult-onset disability populations who are not in existing service pipelines.
Thomas Martin, executive director of CalABLE, described CalABLE's role as California's tax-advantaged savings program for people with disabilities. He explained that CalABLE allows disabled individuals to save in a dedicated account that grows tax-free and that—crucially for many beneficiaries—saves in a legal vehicle that does not jeopardize Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility.
Martin said that under current federal and state rules CalABLE account holders who receive SSI may save up to $100,000 in a CalABLE account without losing SSI benefits (rather than the standard $2,000 resource limit for SSI). Federal law is changing in 2026 to broaden eligibility from disabilities with onset before age 26 to disabilities with onset before age 46. CalABLE requested one outreach-focused position and associated resources to reach adults with later-onset disabilities (for example, post-injury, veterans, late-onset conditions) because those populations are not uniformly in existing disability-service pipelines.
Members praised the program and emphasized the importance of outreach and access for vulnerable Californians. CalABLE noted that effective outreach requires partnerships with veterans groups, rehab providers, and condition-specific advocacy organizations to reach adults who did not enter disability-support systems in childhood.
No formal budget action was taken; members expressed support and encouraged CalABLE to provide implementation and outreach plans tied to measurable access outcomes.
