Benefits & Policy Watch
SSI, Medicaid, and ABLE account rules shift often. Here's what's new, in plain language, always sourced.
SSI payments rise to $994/month for individuals in 2026
SSIThe maximum federal SSI payment increased from $967 to $994 per month for individuals ($1,450 to $1,491 for couples), a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment. Increased payments began arriving December 31, 2025.
ABLE contribution limit rises to $20,000, eligibility widens
ABLEThe annual ABLE account contribution limit increased to $20,000 for 2026 (working account holders can add up to $35,650 total). As of January 1, 2026, anyone whose disability began before age 46 can open an account, up from the previous age-26 cutoff.
HCBS waiver waitlists remain long, but a few states are improving
Medicaid WaiversNationally, roughly 700,000 people are waiting for Medicaid home and community-based services waivers, some for a decade or more in states like Texas and North Carolina. Nebraska eliminated its waitlist in 2025, and Oklahoma's wait dropped from 13 years to about 1. Get on your state's waitlist as early as possible.