The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is excited to bring improvements and new features to your IL ABLE account! Beginning November 10, 2026, IL ABLE accounts will transition to an enhanced online platform managed by a new program manager, Vestwell.
To ensure you receive important information about this transition:
Add @vestwell.com to your email contacts or safe-senders list.
Log into your IL ABLE Account now and:
Make sure your email address, mailing address and phone number are up to date.
Go paperless: If you are receiving paper statements and confirmations, now is the time to switch to E-Delivery.
This page will be updated regularly as we get closer to the transition. Check back frequently for details on what to expect and how to access and navigate your account after the transition.
You can look forward to:
New and expanded account features
A mobile app to access and manage your account on the go
An improved, accessible portal design
A customizable Visa® Prepaid Card™
More robust functionality and permissions for entities and government agencies
Changes to the Checking Account Investment Option
Please be aware that the current IL ABLE Checking Account Investment Option will transition to a new FDIC-insured Investment Option in November. At that time, you will be able to request a free Visa® Prepaid Card™ that can be pre-loaded from any of the investment options.
With this change, it will be easier to manage savings, set spending and budget controls, and track expenditures. Plus, if you are an Authorized Legal Representative for an Account Owner, you will have the ability to request a Visa® Prepaid Card™ in the Account Owner’s name and load funds directly onto the card to give the Account Owner greater independence to spend some of their assets. This is a feature many customers have been asking for, and we are excited to deliver.
Check this page in the coming months for further details.
Transition Plan Communications
Find all correspondence about the transition in this section. Accounts with paper delivery are encouraged to sign up for email delivery to receive timely notifications about this transition.
Transition Timeline
Friday, October 9, 2026
Last day to use the current IL ABLE debit card and write checks using your Fifth Third Checking Account checkbook. You will still be able to request a withdrawal to be made electronically to your personal bank account or by check payable to you, or to a third party.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
You will have until 3 pm CT on Thursday, November 5, to make any transactions and access your account via the existing IL ABLE account portal. At 3 pm CT on November 5, the blackout period begins.
At that time, your account will begin transitioning to the new platform. There will be a blackout period of a few days, and account access will be unavailable. Your funds remain safe and invested throughout this process. We will provide a more detailed timeline as we get closer to the transition to help you plan ahead.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Once the transition is complete, you will be able to go online to claim your account in the new online account portal. You will create a new login and password.
Beginning November 10, you will also be able to request a free, customizable Visa® Prepaid Card™ online. Cards will be sent by mail within approximately 7 business days of your request.
Conversion FAQs
What’s changing?
IL ABLE program management services will transition to Vestwell Government Savings, Inc. starting November 10, 2026.
Why does IL ABLE work with a program manager?
The Illinois Treasurer’s Office partners with a program manager to support day-to-day operations of the program. IL ABLE will continue to be administered by the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer after the transition.
What is the role of the program manager?
The program manager supports IL ABLE account services, including operating the customer service call center and managing the online account platform used for savings and financial transactions.
Who is Vestwell?
Vestwell is the largest ABLE program manager in the country, with technology that provides ABLE savers with easy access to account management, a mobile app, caregiver management tools, and more.
When will the change happen?
The IL ABLE program transition to Vestwell is scheduled to be completed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
What are the important dates?
Friday, October 9, 2026
Account Owners will no longer be able to use the IL ABLE Fifth Third Bank Debit card or write checks.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
You will have until 3 pm CT on Thursday, November 5 to make any transactions and access your account via the existing IL ABLE account portal. At 3 pm CT on November 5, the blackout period begins.
At this time, online account access and transactions will be temporarily paused for a few days. The pause will end on Tuesday morning, November 10.
This pause will allow us to safely move account information and assets to the new platform.
IL ABLE’s customer service team will be available for inquiries during the blackout period by phone at 1-888-609-8683 from 8 am until 5 pm CT.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
The transition to Vestwell will be complete.
You will be able to access your account on the morning of November 10 — you will receive an email when it is available.
The IL ABLE customer service team will be available at 1-888-609-8683 from 8 am-5 pm CT Monday through Friday
Beginning November 10, you will be able to request a free, customizable, prepaid Visa® debit card online. Cards will be sent by mail within approximately 7 business days of your request.
Will fees change?
Yes, fees on your account are expected to be lower beginning November 10.
What do I need to do?
Watch for notices, reminders and step-by-step instructions between August and November so you will know exactly what action is needed and when.
What should I do now?
Log into your IL ABLE account now and:
Make sure your email address, mailing address, and phone number are up to date.
Go paperless: If you are receiving paper statements and confirmations, now is the time to switch to e-delivery.
Call Customer Service at 888-609-8683 if you need help with the above actions.
Add vestwell.com to your email contacts.
Will my investments change?
During the transition, your funds will be moved from your current investment options to comparable new options.
Before the transition, you will receive more details about where your funds will be moved. After the transition, you may choose different investment options using one of your two annual investment changes.
What will the new investment options be?
After the transition, the program will continue to offer several investment options at different risk levels. These new options are designed to closely match the investment options available today.
You will be able to choose one option or a mix of options based on your goals and comfort level with risk.
The current Checking Account and Money Market Investment Options will be replaced by a new FDIC-insured savings option with a competitive interest rate.
When will more information on the transition be available?
Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition for your account.
We will send you timely details and step-by-step instructions in the weeks leading up to the November transition.
These communications will explain how to access your account, outline new account features, and provide guidance on navigating the new portal and using common functions.
Can I still use my IL ABLE Debit Card?
You can continue using your checking account and debit card and write checks until October 9, 2026. After that date, the IL ABLE checking account debit card will be discontinued.
Specific information and complete instructions on the checking account changes will be sent to all IL ABLE account owners who use the Checking Account Option and Fifth Third debit cards.
Will I get a new card after the transition to Vestwell?
As part of the transition, the current IL ABLE debit card program will be discontinued.
Beginning November 10, you will be able to request a new, customizable prepaid Visa® card online. IL ABLE prepaid cards are free and will be available to account owners, and people and organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies that serve as Authorized Individuals. More details will be provided leading up to this transition.
Have questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out to Customer Service with any questions, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm CT at 1-888-609-8683.
