If this message is clipped, click "View Entire Message" at the bottom of this email. | | Third Thursday: Social Security | | |
January 15, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Zoom
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Join us for an overview of the Social Security Administration, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
We’ll cover:
- The steps in the application process
- Whether you can work while receiving SSI or SSDI
- Who qualifies for Medicare and Medicaid
- What counts as assets and resources (car, home, checking, savings, ABLE accounts, etc.)
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Presenter:
Pete Mulder, Social Security Disability Benefits Planning Consultant/Coordinator, Disability Network Southwest Michigan
| | Expanded ABLE Access Coming in 2026 | | |
Advocates across the country have raised their voices, and it worked! Beginning January 1, 2026, millions more people with disabilities will gain access to ABLE savings accounts thanks to the passage of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. This long-awaited change represents one of the most significant advancements in financial access for people with disabilities since the original ABLE Act became law.
For years, ABLE accounts have provided individuals with disabilities a safe, tax-advantaged way to save money without risking essential benefits. However, eligibility rules have limited access only to those whose disability began before age 26. This excluded millions of people, including more than one million disabled veterans, whose disabilities often occurred later in life. The new law removes that barrier and makes the ABLE program fairer for participants.
“People with disabilities deserve the ability to save for their daily needs and major milestones, just like anyone else,” said Mary Morris, CEO of Virginia529. “Passage of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act is a victory for millions of Americans. When 2026 comes, we’ll be ready.” Since launching in 2016, MiABLE and other ABLE programs have helped individuals collectively save hundreds of millions of dollars without jeopardizing their access to critical supports. With the changes taking effect in 2026, an estimated six million additional Americans will now have the same opportunity to build financial stability.
Expanded access means expanded financial independence. Money invested in an ABLE account grows tax-free, and withdrawals used for qualified disability-related expenses do not count as income for most public benefit programs. Importantly, ABLE accounts offer strong protections for essential benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Up to $100,000 saved in an ABLE account is exempt from the SSI resource limit, and ABLE savings do not count against Medicaid, SSDI, SNAP, HUD, FAFSA, or other major programs as long as the account remains within the plan’s limits.
ABLE accounts also support meaningful financial flexibility. Funds may be used for a wide range of disability-related needs, including housing, healthcare, transportation, education, assistive technology, employment supports, legal services, and everyday living expenses. This flexibility empowers individuals to plan for both immediate needs and long-term goals with far fewer restrictions.
Under the expanded eligibility guidelines, individuals qualify for an ABLE account if their disability began before age 46 and meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a severe disability expected to last at least twelve months. A person does not need to be receiving SSI or SSDI benefits to open an account, and employment status has no effect on eligibility. Medicaid eligibility is never impacted by opening or using an ABLE account. Additionally, authorized individuals such as family members, caregivers, or legal representatives may open or manage an ABLE account on behalf of someone else.
In Michigan, the state’s MiABLE program offers several valuable features designed to make saving accessible and practical.
- Earnings in a MiABLE account grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free.
- Michigan taxpayers can receive a state income tax deduction of up to $5,000 for single filers or $10,000 for joint filers when contributing to a MiABLE account.
- Individuals can select from a variety of investment options ranging from conservative choices, including a federally insured no-risk savings option, to more aggressive investment portfolios.
- MiABLE also offers a dedicated debit card that allows account holders to conveniently use funds for qualified disability expenses.
- Family and friends can support account owners through Ugift®, a free contribution service that allows loved ones to give directly to a MiABLE account, an especially meaningful option for birthdays, holidays, or other celebrations.
- Fees remain low, with annual maintenance costs ranging from $31 to $56 depending on whether electronic delivery is selected.
- Working account owners may also have the ability to contribute above the standard annual limit if they meet certain federal conditions related to earned income.
The ABLE Age Adjustment Act is more than a policy update. It is a long overdue correction to a system that has historically restricted financial freedom for people with disabilities. By expanding eligibility, millions of Americans will soon gain new opportunities to save, plan, and build the future they deserve.
At AMPED*, we celebrate this advancement and remain committed to supporting our community as we approach this important milestone. The door to financial empowerment is opening wider than ever before, and together, we’ll make sure people know how to step through it.
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| | *AMPED represents a renewed commitment to the core mission of Centers for Independent Living to support individuals with disabilities in living full, self-directed lives in their communities. | | | | |
Can you spot the mistreatment of older adults?
Attend an upcoming PEANE presentation to learn how to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We will discuss the types and effects of abuse, the role of loneliness and social connection, and resources and supports.
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Friday, January 23, 2026
2:00 - 3:30 pm
Center Line Public Library
7345 Weingartz, Center Line
Call to register:
586-758-8274
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Tuesday, February 24, 2026
2:00 - 3:30 pm
St. Clair County Council on Aging, Inc.
600 Grand River Ave., Port Huron
Call to register:
810-984-5061, ext. 129
| | | Disability Network Eastern Michigan is funded in part by the Federal Older Americans Act and the Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency through AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services. Disability Network Eastern Michigan complies with the terms and regulations of the Title V of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Section 504 of the Social Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon notification or request. | | Contact us to schedule a free PEANE presentation near you: | |
Advocacy@DNEMichigan.org
586-268-4160
| | Register for a DNEM Community Activity | | |
Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) is a Center for Independent Living (CIL), proudly serving Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties.
If you reside outside of these counties, we’re happy to assist you in connecting with the CIL that serves your area.
To register for DNEM activities, you will need a RecDesk calendar account.
| | | | To help with the registration process, we have created these two videos: |
Questions about RecDesk?
Contact the RecConnect Team
REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org
586-268-4160
| | American Sign Language (ASL) Classes | | Classes are held once a week via Zoom. Choose from six skill levels. | |
Beginner ASL
January 12 – February 23, 2026 (6 Mondays)
1:00 - 2:00 on Zoom
| Learn the basics of American Sign Language and Deaf culture. No prior experience is required. | | | |
Beginner 2 ASL
January 13 - February 17, 2026 (6 Tuesdays)
10:30 - 11:30 on Zoom
| Build on the skills learned in Beginner ASL with more vocabulary, grammar, and conversational practice. | | | |
Conversational ASL
January 12 – February 23, 2026 (6 Mondays)
10:30 - 11:30 on Zoom
| Develop everyday signing skills by practicing vocabulary, expressions, and dialogue to build confidence in holding natural conversations in ASL. Basic and Basic 2 ASL classes are recommended first. | | | |
Intermediate ASL
January 13 - February 17, 2026 (6 Tuesdays)
1:00 - 2:00 on Zoom
| Expand your basic ASL skills by increasing vocabulary, improving fluency, and strengthening receptive and expressive abilities. | | | |
Advanced ASL
January 14 – January 18, 2026 (6 Wednesdays)
1:00 - 2:00 on Zoom
| For students who are confident in their signing skills, and ready to refine their fluency and cultural understanding. | | | |
Fingerspelling
January 14 – February 18, 2026 (6 Wednesdays)
11:00 - 12:00 on Zoom
| Learn to spell words using the ASL manual alphabet. | | | | Try something new with us! We’re launching pickleball clinics in January. Learn the basics in a fun, low-pressure setting. Racquets and balls will be provided, and staff will help you explore adaptations. Come see why pickleball is becoming such a popular and accessible sport! | | Pickleball Clinic for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities | |
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Warren Community Center
12:00 - 2:00 pm
| | | Pickleball Clinic for Adults with Physical Disabilities | |
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Warren Community Center
12:00 - 2:00 pm
| | | Join us online for an hour of fun, connection, and community! | |
Games & Social Hour - Virtual | |
Join us online for an hour of fun, laughter, and friendship from the comfort of home. A Zoom link will be emailed the week before.
2nd Tuesday of each month:
January 13, February 10, & March 10, 2026
6:00 - 7:00 pm
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Games & Social Hour in Troy | |
Play games, relax, and spend time with others in a friendly space.
1st & 3rd Thursday of each month:
February 5 & 19; March 5 & 19, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm
| | | | Questions about the Games & Social Hours? | | Feel the rhythm and unwind with us in Troy through therapeutic drumming. Participants explore hand drumming, simple musical activities, and the energy of creating sound as a group. No musical experience is needed — it is all about connection, creativity, and enjoying the process. | | |
3rd Tuesday of the month through June
Next session: January 20, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 pm
| | Questions about Therapeutic Drumming? | | |
This fun, adaptive bowling program is for individuals of all abilities, with no prior bowling experience required. We provide all necessary equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The cost is $12 per bowler, payable to the bowling alley on the day of the event. This cost includes 2 bowling games and shoe rental.
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January 30, 2026
12:00 - 2:00 pm
Imperial Lanes, Clinton Township
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February 20, 2026
12:00 - 2:00 pm
Imperial Lanes, Clinton Township
| | | Check Out More Rec-Connect Programs: | | Peer Support Opportunities | | Connect with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability. We have four groups to choose from. | |
Adults with Cognitive Disabilities Peer Support Group | |
3rd Wednesday of the month, beginning January 21, 2026
DNEM Troy Office
5:00 - 6:00 pm
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Adults with Physical Disabilities Peer Support Group | |
4th Tuesday of the month, beginning February 24, 2026
DNEM Troy Office
6:00 - 7:00 pm
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Stroke Survivors Support Group | |
3rd Wednesday of the month; next is January 21, 2026
DNEM Clinton Township Office
12:00 - 2:00 pm
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Stroke Survivors Recreation Group | |
1st Wednesday of the month, beginning January 7, 2026
DNEM Clinton Township Office
12:00 – 2:00 pm
| | | | Disability Network Eastern Michigan has a team of Community Information Specialists ready to assist you in finding resources. We can support inquiries about advocacy, accessibility, housing resources, transportation, high school transition, community transition services, veteran services, and more. Call us! | | |
Oakland and Macomb County:
586-268-4160
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Thumb Region:
810-987-9337
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Accommodations: Please contact DNEM with accommodation requests.
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Do you need support now?
Or are you worried about a loved one who may need crisis support?
| | Your Consumer Experience Defines Our Success | | It is our pleasure to serve the community as we believe people with disabilities should have the same options, and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities. We hope you will share your experience with us, allowing us to connect with others who will benefit from our services. Please take a moment to provide a Google review. | | Disability Network Eastern Michigan is committed to promoting independent living by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support, and education. | | Follow our social media pages to remain up-to-date with everything happening at DNEM. | | | | |
