Social Security Disability Attorney

If illness or health problems prevent you from being gainfully employed for more than 12 months, applying for Social Security Disability may be necessary for you to go on with your life.

• To qualify for Social Security Disability, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition meeting Social Security’s official definition of a “disability.”
• Benefits continue until you are able to return to work on a regular basis. Rules called “work incentives” can provide continued benefits and health care coverage as you make the transition back to work.

A Westmoreland County Lawyer With a Medical Background

Receiving Social Security Disability benefits is not an easy task. Even if your treating physician believes that you are disabled, the medical doctors evaluating your case for the Social Security Administration may and often do differ.

A lawyer with medical experience is invaluable in helping you to get through the maze of forms, examinations, and the necessary hearing. Attorney Maureen Kroll has experience as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator. Her medical knowledge can be your biggest asset as you consider filing for Social Security Disability.

Contact the offices of Attorney Maureen Kroll today if you’re in need of help navigating the Social Security Disability filing process. Call us at 724-863-6770.

Serving North Huntingdon, Irwin, Greensburg, and Jeannette.

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PA ABLE Accounts (Updated for 2026)

Expanded Opportunities for Savings and Independence

What Are PA ABLE Accounts?

PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are specialized, tax-advantaged savings accounts designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. Established under federal law in 2014 and launched in Pennsylvania in 2017, these accounts offer a unique opportunity for people with disabilities to build financial security without jeopardizing their eligibility for critical government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicaid.

For many individuals with disabilities, traditional savings accounts can be problematic. Accumulating even modest savings can disqualify them from means-tested benefits they depend on for healthcare, housing assistance, and basic living expenses. PA ABLE accounts solve this problem by allowing account holders to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility, and there is no savings limit for maintaining Medicaid eligibility.

Key Benefits of PA ABLE Accounts

Financial Flexibility

• Account holders can contribute up to $20,000 per year (2026), up from $19,000 in 2025
• Family members, friends, and others can contribute to the account
• Interest and earnings on savings are tax-free
• Multiple savings and investment options are available

Qualified Disability Expenses

Funds in PA ABLE accounts can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses, including:

• Housing and rent
• Food and groceries
• Healthcare and medical expenses
• Transportation
• Education and job training
• Assistive technology and personal support services
• Employment support
• Basic living expenses
• Financial management and administrative services

Independence and Peace of Mind

PA ABLE accounts promote financial independence by giving individuals with disabilities control over their own savings. This provides greater autonomy in managing day-to-day expenses and planning for the future, while also offering peace of mind to family members who want to contribute to their loved one’s financial security.

Additional Advantages for Working Account Holders

Employed individuals who do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan (such as a 401(k) or 403(b)) may contribute additional funds above the annual limit. In 2026, eligible working account owners in the continental U.S. (who do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan) may contribute an additional amount up to the lesser of their earnings or $15,650 beyond the standard $20,000 limit, for a potential total of up to $35,650. This helps working individuals with disabilities build even greater financial reserves.

Rollover Options

Families who established traditional 529 college savings plans before learning of their child’s disability can roll over those funds into an ABLE account, ensuring the savings remain useful and accessible. (Rollover amounts count toward the annual contribution limit.)

Eligibility Has Expanded — Effective January 1, 2026

In a significant development affecting thousands of Pennsylvanians, PA ABLE eligibility expanded as of January 1, 2026. Under the current rules, individuals of any age can open an account if their disability began before age 46 — a substantial increase from the previous age-26 threshold.

What This Means

This 20-year eligibility expansion represents a major shift in access to PA ABLE accounts. Previously, only individuals whose disability began before age 26 could open these accounts, which excluded many people who developed disabilities later in life due to accidents, illnesses, military service, or other circumstances.

Veterans Will Particularly Benefit

This expansion is especially beneficial to Veterans, who often experience service-connected disabilities after age 26. Many Veterans with conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical injuries, or other service-related disabilities are now able to access the savings and independence that PA ABLE accounts provide.

The Growth of PA ABLE

Since the program launched in 2017, it has experienced remarkable growth. As of early 2026, PA ABLE has surpassed $200 million in assets with more than 11,500 accounts, making it the fifth-largest ABLE program in the country.

The 2026 eligibility expansion is expected to help even more Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families achieve greater financial stability and independence.

A New, Enhanced PA ABLE Platform in 2026

In 2026, the PA ABLE Savings Program is transitioning to a new program manager, Vestwell, one of the largest ABLE providers in the country. Once the transition is complete, account owners can look forward to a range of improvements, including:

• Lower program fees
• A customizable PA ABLE Visa Prepaid Card
• Expanded investment options
• A mobile app and an improved, accessible online account portal
• Free check-writing is transitioning; the new platform offers a customizable PA ABLE Visa Prepaid Card and improved online bill pay.
• An account platform available in 20 different languages

As part of this transition, there will be a brief blackout period in late July 2026 (around July 28) when account access is temporarily unavailable. Current account owners should review the official transition timeline and any action steps at www.paable.gov, where the PA ABLE Transition Guide and current updates are posted.

Federal Changes Have Made Key Provisions Permanent

Recent federal legislation — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed in 2025 — strengthened the ABLE program by making permanent several rules that were previously set to expire. These permanent provisions include:

• Allowing employed account holders to contribute additional savings if they don’t participate in an employer retirement plan (ABLE to Work)
• Permitting rollovers from traditional 529 college savings plans into ABLE accounts
• Allowing eligible account owners to claim the Saver’s Credit for their own contributions
• Ensuring long-term stability for the program and its participants

How to Get Started

If you or a loved one may be eligible for a PA ABLE account, it’s important to understand the requirements, the documentation needed, and how these accounts can be integrated into a comprehensive financial and estate plan. For more information about PA ABLE accounts, visit www.paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.

Legal Guidance for ABLE Accounts and Disability Planning

At Maureen Kroll, Attorney at Law, we can help you understand how PA ABLE accounts fit into your overall disability planning strategy. We assist clients with:

• Determining eligibility for PA ABLE accounts
• Coordinating ABLE accounts with Special Needs Trusts and other planning tools
• Ensuring compliance with benefit requirements
• Protecting government benefits while maximizing financial independence
• Estate planning for individuals and families affected by disability

Contact Maureen Kroll, Attorney at Law, for experienced guidance. Call 724-863-6770 or complete the consultation form on this page.