2026 is an exciting year for ABLEnow. As the program approaches its 10th anniversary, several important updates take effect, including expanded eligibility, a higher contribution limit, and planned transition to a new program recordkeeper, Ascensus.
These updates are designed to strengthen ABLEnow and improve the experience for account owners nationwide.
In late March 2026, ABLEnow will transition record-keeping services to Ascensus. Ascensus is the nation’s largest independent third-party administrator and government savings facilitator, with extensive experience supporting ABLE programs.
This planned transition supports ABLEnow’s long-term stability and allows the program to continue improving.
For ABLEnow account owners, the transition will bring lower fees, a modernized online platform and continued professional program administration.
The transfer of ABLEnow account records from PNC Bank to Ascensus will happen automatically in late March 2026. You are not required to take any action prior to the transition.
However, account owners may wish to log in to their current ABLEnow account and take these steps to help ensure a smooth experience:
The transition to a new recordkeeper includes updates to the investment options available through ABLEnow. Your existing balance will remain invested and will automatically transition into new portfolios that align with the same general risk level as current selections.
The percentage allocated to each investment option will remain the same. For example, if you currently have 50% in the Moderate Growth Portfolio and 50% in the Conservative Income Portfolio, those allocations will carry over to the new portfolios.
For account owners who have used their ABLEnow debit card on our after March 23, 2025, funds in the ABLEnow deposit account will transition to a checking account linked to a debit card through Fifth Third Bank. ABLEnow account owners who have not used their debit card since March 23, 2025, will transition to an FDIC-insured savings account through Atlantic Union Bank.
Federal rules allow account owners to change their investment selections up to two (2) times each calendar year. This automatic record-keeper transition does not count toward those limits. After the transition is complete, account owners may review their account and make changes if needed.
| Current Portfolio | New Portfolio |
|---|---|
| Aggressive Growth | Aggressive Growth |
| Moderate Growth | Moderate Growth |
| Conservative Income | Conservative Income |
| Money Market | FDIC-Insured Savings Account |
| Deposit Account | Account owners who have used their debit card on or after March 23, 2025, will transition to a Checking Account allowing withdrawals via debit card or check.
Account owners who have not used their debit card since March 23, 2025, will transition to the FDIC-Insured Savings Account with a higher annual percentage yield (APY) and no debit card option. |
The transfer of account records to Ascensus, the new program record keeper, will happen automatically—no action is needed.
Plan ahead for a temporary blackout period when your ABLEnow account and debit card will be unavailable, and some transactions will be delayed. During this time, account records will move from PNC Bank to Ascensus. To avoid processing delays, please do not mail contributions during the blackout period.
| Friday, February 27, 2026 | Last day to open a new ABLEnow account prior to the transition. |
| Friday, March 6, 2026 | Last day for existing groups to open a new ABLEnow account for a client prior to the transition. |
| Friday, March 13, 2026, 6 p.m. ET | Last opportunity to contribute via bank transfer or request a withdrawal by check or bank transfer before the transition. Recurring transactions scheduled after Friday, March 13, 2026, will be processed automatically on Monday, March 23, 2026, following the transition. No action is needed. To avoid processing delays, please do not mail contributions during the blackout period. Instead, use the new contribution form and mailing address available after the transition on Monday, March 23, 2026. |
| Sunday, March 15, 2026 | ABLEnow debit cards will be available for use through this date. Existing debit cards will be deactivated beginning Monday, March 16, 2026, and new debit cards will be issued to identified account owners following the transition. |
| Monday, March 16, 2026 | Contribution checks received after this date will be processed following the transition. |
| Monday, March 23, 2026 | The transition to the new recordkeeper is complete. Account owners will receive confirmation with instructions to access their account on the new platform.
Recurring transactions scheduled during the blackout period will now be processed. |
| Friday, April 3, 2026 | Customers with funds transitioned to the checking account option can expect to receive their new debit card between March 30 and April 3, 2026. |
Note: Account owners should have access to records on their PNC account portal and app until July 1, 2026. This allows access to past account statements and tax forms needed for personal records.
Organizations that support individuals with disabilities can open and manage ABLEnow accounts for eligible clients.
As part of this program enhancement, groups that are currently enrolled with ABLEnow will receive information on accessing the ABLEnow Entity Management Dashboard following the transition. Any new client accounts should be opened before Friday, March 6, 2026. Please also review and plan around the transaction blackout dates that apply to existing client accounts.
Enrollment for new groups is paused until the program transition in late March 2026. Organizations interested in future group enrollment are encouraged to complete this form to receive notification when enrollment opens for new entities.
Following the transition, please note that debit cards will no longer be available for entity-managed accounts. Information about account access and management options will be communicated directly to entity contacts.
ABLEnow is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. While some temporary disruption is unavoidable, account owners can rest assured that everything will transition successfully.
Future communications will provide guidance on the new platform. This update reflects ongoing efforts to expand access, lower costs, and improve the experience for account owners.
Information updated as of February 9, 2026. The ABLEnow Program Description will be updated after the March 23, 2026, transition to reflect program changes.
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