News Release

Seven Springs, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity and U.S. Senator Bob Casey joined the Special Olympics Winter Games at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County today to celebrate the PA ABLE Savings Program surpassing $100 million in assets. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are a tax-free way for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, to save without affecting eligibility for important benefits.

Matt Aaron, President & CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, led a tour of the facilities being used by the Special Olympics Winter Games. Athletes joined the tour to share their experiences competing in the Special Olympics.

“Special Olympics Pennsylvania trains 16,000 athletes, giving children and adults with intellectual disabilities the chance to develop physical fitness and life skills, helping them to live more independent and rewarding lives. PA ABLE is another way to empower Pennsylvanians with disabilities to live more independently, by allowing them to save their own money without hurting their eligibility for important benefits.”

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity

“For years, people with disabilities were barred from saving for the future, which meant they couldn’t save for a home, purchase needed assistive technology, or save for an accessible car. That is why I worked to create ABLE, to knock down a barrier that people with disabilities face as they work to improve their lives. Nine years later, the program has become a lifeline for thousands of people with disabilities across the nation, with $100 million saved in Pennsylvania alone. I’m grateful to Treasurer Garrity for her work to make this program a success and to bring attention to what we’ve accomplished for Pennsylvanians and Americans with disabilities.”

Senator Casey (D-PA)

Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Treasury is an official sponsor of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

"Special Olympics is not just about sports; it’s about empowering individuals, fostering their confidence, and nurturing their full potential,” Aaron said. “It’s a platform where every athlete, regardless of ability, can thrive and excel. Programs like PA ABLE allow our athletes to live a fulfilled life and help them reach their goals in sports and beyond!”

President & CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania Matt Aaron

ABLE programs have deep bipartisan roots in Pennsylvania. Senator Casey, a Democrat, championed the federal ABLE legislations, which was signed into law in December 2014. State Senator Lisa Baker, a Republican, championed PA ABLE, which was signed into law in April 2016. The first PA ABLE accounts opened in 2017. Since then, the program has grown to more than 8,500 accounts with more than $110 million saved.

Senator Casey also introduced the federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which Treasurer Garrity strongly advocated for. It was supported by virtually the entire Pennsylvania congressional delegation, and it became law in 2022. Currently, to be eligible to save with an ABLE program, a person’s disability must be onset prior to their 26th birthday. Under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, this age restriction will rise to 46 starting in 2026 – expanding eligibility to millions more Americans, including one million veterans.

PA ABLE offers seven different savings and investment options, including a checking account. PA ABLE account owners can contribute up to $18,000 per year. These contributions can be deducted on PA state income taxes, and PA ABLE account owners pay no federal or state income tax on account growth when used for qualified withdrawals.

“Crossing the $100 million investment threshold is testament to the importance the ABLE program has for so many Pennsylvania families. This is a very positive example of the good that can result when officials from both parties come together to develop practical and sensible solutions to the real problems and challenges residents face in our communities every day.”

Senator Lisa Baker (R-20)

“I commend Treasurer Garrity and Pennsylvania Treasury for hitting the $100 million milestone in ABLE savings. The ABLE program is an important tool to promote financial empowerment and community inclusion for people with disabilities. The growth of this program has a tangible positive impact on peoples’ lives, and Treasurer Garrity’s leadership on this topic in Pennsylvania and nationally is greatly appreciated.”

Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) Shaun M. Snyder

Over the life of the program, Pennsylvanians have contributed $133.7 million to PA ABLE accounts. More than $37.6 million has been withdrawn for disability-related expenses, like groceries, rent, healthcare, transportation, and longer-term expenses including education and assistive technology.

In 2023 alone, PA ABLE account owners contributed $32.5 million, while $11.9 million was withdrawn – and 1,817 Pennsylvanians opened new PA ABLE accounts. Over the past three years, assets have nearly tripled.

PA ABLE is the largest program in the 19-member National ABLE Alliance, accounting for more than 25% of total Alliance assets.

Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced fees three times for PA ABLE account owners. She is the inaugural chair of the National ABLE Savings Plans Network, a part of NAST.

To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.

Media contacts:
Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary (Treasury), 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov
Natalie Adams (Senator Casey), 202-228-6367 or Natalie_Adams@casey.senate.gov
Andrew Fee (Special Olympics Pennsylvania), 724-510-8945 or afee@specialolympicspa.org