UNDATED - A savings plan designed for Nebraskans with disabilities is marking a major milestone, and getting ready for a major expansion.

Nebraska's Enable savings program is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month.

The program was passed by the Nebraska Legislature in 2015, following congressional passage of the Able Act in 2014. It allows Nebraskans who suffer from disabilities to open state-managed, tax deductible savings accounts.

The accounts are managed by the Nebraska Treasurer's office.

State Treasurer Tom Briese said Nebraskans with disabilities are often disproportionately affected when unexpected expenses pop up.

"For our friends in the disability community some common expenses or other things that they're going to face down the road hit them a little worse than folks that aren't in the disability community," Briese said. "This is a great way for our friends in the disability community to prepare for some of those expenses."

Since its inception Enable has had over 4,500 accounts opened, totaling over $50 million in assets.

But that number will likely be going up in the new year. That's because the qualifying age for Nebraskans to open accounts goes up from 26 years of age to 46.

Briese said that's why his office is trying to get the word out now, months before thousands of Nebraskans will become eligible for the first time.

"We estimate nationwide that's supposed to add the potential for another eight million folks that could qualify for one of these accounts," Briese said.

More details about the eligibility requirements for an Enable account can be found at this link.