By Nebraska State Treasurer's Office
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg has announced that Shauna Paolini is the new director of Nebraska’s Enable Savings Plan (Enable), the tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the State of Nebraska and administered by the Treasurer’s Office, Enable was launched in June 2016 as part of the federal ABLE program (Achieving a Better Life Experience). The Nebraska plan holds approximately $58 million in more than 5,100 accounts.
Enable allows qualified individuals — along with their parents, grandparents, spouses, and siblings — to set aside funds for disability-related needs without jeopardizing eligibility for essential public benefits. Enable accounts are a vital tool for long-term planning, providing a secure financial resource for individuals after their parents or guardians are no longer able to provide support.
“Enable brings financial dignity and independence to individuals with disabilities,” Treasurer Spellerberg said. “Shauna brings the right mix of experience and enthusiasm to help our office administer and promote the program so we can serve even more families across Nebraska.”
Paolini has extensive experience in Nebraska state government, having previously served at the Departments of Labor, Banking and Finance, and Health and Human Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a graduate degree in organizational performance from Bellevue University.
Treasurer Spellerberg reminds Nebraskans that Enable’s age eligibility guidelines have been expanded significantly for 2026. Following a change in federal law, Enable accounts are now available to individuals with a disability that began prior to age 46 — replacing the prior onset age limit of 26.
Additionally, for the 2026 calendar year, any resident — as well as businesses, trusts, and organizations — can contribute up to $20,000 annually to an Enable account. Contributions can be deducted on the contributor’s Nebraska income taxes, up to $10,000 (or $5,000 if married, filing separately).
For more information or answers to frequently asked questions, visit EnableSavings.com or contact the State Treasurer’s Office at 402-471-2455.