Santa Fe– This Memorial Day, as we honor the brave military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, we also reflect on our ongoing responsibility to support service members who return home. Among them are countless veterans with disabilities who continually face challenges or veterans who years later, end up getting a disability.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Age Adjustment Act, passed by Congress and set to take effect on January 1, 2026, will increase the qualifying age of disability onset from 26 years old to 46 years old, expanding access to ABLE accounts for veterans and civilians alike. This change is especially beneficial for veterans and those who may acquire disabilities later in life due to injury, illness, or trauma. With these new eligibility guidelines, millions will be able to open ABLE accounts in order to save money, plan ahead, and cover disability-related expenses—without jeopardizing vital benefits, such as Social Security or Medicaid.

For New Mexico residents, the 2024 New Mexico Legislature passed House Bill 98, sponsored by Representative Elizabeth "Liz" Thomson in 2024, which expands access to the New Mexico State Treasurer's Achieving a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program, New Mexico's official ABLE program, offering the same benefits as ABLE. Similarly, this law goes into effect January 1, 2026, to align with the federal legislation. In addition, House Bill 98 prevents the state from seeking estate recovery payments from an account or its proceeds for benefits provided to the beneficiary of the account. This portion went into effect July 1, 2024. NM STABLE accounts are available now for those who meet current eligibility requirements. Thousands more of New Mexicans will qualify starting January 1, 2026, when the new age threshold takes effect.

"As we pay tribute, it's important to help those who are still with us and have become disabled because of the service they provided to this country. People who become disabled later in life, including veterans and civilians, deserve a chance to build a stable future," said State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya. "We want to remind New Mexicans that the NM STABLE accounts will be expanding to more people with disabilities beginning January 1, 2026, which will give them the opportunity to save, plan, invest and live with greater security and ease."

For more information about STABLE accounts and the upcoming eligibility changes, visit https://nmstable.com/.