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Bill

Bill

A 3628

"New Jersey Disability Savings Act."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 7 co-sponsors

New Jersey creates tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities without affecting Medicaid/SSI eligibility, enabling financial planning without losing critical benefits.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3628

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3628 establishes a state-administered disability savings program in New Jersey that allows individuals with disabilities and their families to set aside money in tax-advantaged accounts without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits like Medicaid and SSI. The program creates dedicated savings accounts with special protections that prevent accumulated funds from disqualifying beneficiaries from essential government assistance programs.

Why is this important

Individuals with disabilities often face a severe dilemma: earning or saving money can result in losing critical means-tested benefits, effectively penalizing financial responsibility and independence. This bill addresses a genuine barrier to economic stability by allowing disabled individuals to build emergency funds and plan for future needs while maintaining their safety net. Similar federal programs (like ABLE accounts) have shown success, but this state-level program would expand access and benefits beyond existing federal limitations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Questions about whether the state budget can sustain administration and whether the program creates new unfunded obligations for benefit programs
  • Benefit eligibility interactions: Complexity in defining how state-level savings accounts interact with federal benefit calculations and potential conflicts with federal welfare rules
  • Scope limitations: Debate over who qualifies (age of onset, disability type) and contribution limits that could either be too restrictive or too generous depending on perspective

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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