WI25-08: Barriers and Facilitators of Using ABLE Accounts and Characteristics of Newly Eligible ABLE Users by Disability Onset Ages: A mixed-methods study

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts provide the ability to build asset capacity for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients as tax-free savings accounts that do not affect SSI asset limits. While one percent of SSI recipients owned an ABLE account in 2021, access to ABLE will expand in 2026 due to the disability onset age threshold increasing from age 26 to 46. This mixed-methods study will predict participation of newly-eligible individuals using machine learning based on demographics of current ABLE users. The qualitative analysis will investigate barriers and facilitators of SSI recipient participation in ABLE through in-depth interviews in three stratified disability onset age groups including: before age 26 (currently eligible), ages between 26 and 45 (soon-to-be eligible), and age over 46 (ineligible). Findings can provide insight into current low levels of ABLE use, indicate potential outreach strategies for the existing and newly eligible SSI recipients, and improve user experience.