Representative Sharice Davids with Rachel Mast during a recent meeting at Davids’ Overland Park office/Image courtesy Rep. Davids Office

Representative Sharice Davids and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick have introduced the ABLE Employment Flexibility Act, a bill to help workers with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits.

People with disabilities can open ABLE accounts—special savings accounts that let them save without hurting their eligibility for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This bill would allow employers to put money into these accounts tax-free, similar to how they contribute to 401(k) retirement plans.

Right now, many workers with disabilities can’t take full advantage of 401(k) benefits because saving too much can disqualify them from vital federal support. This new bill offers a solution by letting employers contribute to ABLE accounts instead.

The change could help workers with disabilities build financial security while still receiving the assistance they need. So far, over 170,000 people have used ABLE accounts, saving an average of $11,186 to plan for their future.