News and Updates from the Illinois State Treasurer's ABLE Plan
Millions More Now ABLE-Eligible
New IL ABLE Account Owners, the Chicago Lighthouse, Access Living and Professor Harold Pollak of the University of Chicago joined Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs to celebrate ABLE age expansion at a March 9 news conference.
A shout out this month to workers with disabilities! We celebrate with you on this, the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). “Celebrating Value and Talent” raises awareness about disability employment and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
Read More “Celebrating 80 Years of National Disability Employment Awareness Month”
Get Ready for ABLE Age Adjustment
On January 1, 2026, the age of disability onset criteria to own an IL ABLE Account will expand to include people who acquired their disability before age 46. (The current criteria is disability onset before age 26.) Approximately 250,000 more Illinoisans will become eligible to own a tax-advantaged IL ABLE Account to start saving and investing for disability-related expenses.
The Colors of Disability Pride
Disability Pride Month is observed each July and commemorates the signing of the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which turns 35 this year! It is a time to honor the rich and diverse history, experiences, and achievements of people with disabilities here in Illinois and across the country. One way to show your pride is to fly or display the Disability Pride flag!
The 104th General Assembly of the State of Illinois has declared August 14, 2025, as Illinois ABLE Savings Day! Mark your calendars to open, contribute to, or tell someone about IL ABLE Accounts on August 14. Read the full Resolution.
What can you do to celebrate Illinois ABLE Savings Day?
Read More “Save the Date! August 14 is National ABLE Savings Day”
IL ABLE had a great time at the Abilities Expo!
Were you among the thousands of visitors to the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, IL last weekend? From the moment the doors opened Friday to the closing minutes Sunday, Expo visitors engaged with IL ABLE in a myriad of ways: waving an IL ABLE sign at the ribbon cutting; learning about IL ABLE Accounts at a workshop; filling out enrollment forms or asking questions and collecting cool merch at our IL ABLE booth all weekend.
Save the Date!
The Chicago Abilities Expo takes place June 20-22, 2025, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL and IL ABLE wants to see you there!
Read More “IL ABLE Invites You to the Chicago Abilities Expo June 20-22, 2025”
Self-advocates share their ABLE stories
If you and your loved ones have been on sitting on the fence about opening an IL ABLE Account, it’s time to meet IL ABLE Account Owners, T.J. Gordon and Jesus “Chuy” Campuzano. They shared their personal experiences about how their IL ABLE Accounts have improved their lives during the recent Arc of Illinois Annual Convention.
Read More “People with Disabilities and their IL ABLE Accounts”
Celebrate a Milestone and Look Ahead
Today, we celebrate the landmark legislation that paved the way for 8 million Americans with disabilities to save and invest for themselves to build quality of life and greater financial independence. On December 19, 2014, Congress unanimously passed the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act).
Treasurer Frerichs leads panel at Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leadership Academy
Treasurer Frerichs moderated a lively panel discussion at the Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) Athlete Leadership Academy that focused on the benefits of working. Panelists included SOILL athletes who have disabilities and leaders from Amazon and Hyatt who focus on initiatives that support hiring people with disabilities.