NMSTO News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Treasurer’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program is proud to announce a year of significant growth and a prestigious public service advocacy award from Disability Pride New Mexico. These milestones underscore the program’s commitment to improving the financial well-being and independence of New Mexicans living with disabilities.
As of June 2025, the number of NM STABLE accounts opened has grown from 1,860 (June 2024) to 2,175, a substantial increase that has propelled the program to rank fourth in the nation out of 12 partner states in the number of accounts opened per capita.
In recognition of its impactful work, the program was honored with the public service advocacy award at the Disability Pride New Mexico Accessibility Awards Ceremony. These awards celebrate community members and organizations that have improved access for people with disabilities, inspiring positive change and promoting a more inclusive society. The award acknowledges NM STABLE’s success in providing a tax-advantaged savings and investment program that helps individuals with disabilities save for qualified expenses without jeopardizing their eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid and SSI.
Throughout Fiscal Year 2025, the NM STABLE team expanded its outreach efforts by participating in new events, including the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Parent University, the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico State Convention, the EPICS Special Education Conference, and the Disability Pride Parade. The program also presented to a wide range of organizations and legislative bodies, including Mandy’s Farm, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the New Mexico Government Finance Officers Association. Additionally, NM STABLE staff visited seven school districts to share information with students, staff, and families.
In 2024, the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office in partnership with Representative Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson helped pass House Bill 98 (HB 98) amending the Accounts for Disabled Eligibility Act, going into effect January 1, 2026, to align NM STABLE with federal legislation. This will raise the disability age of onset for eligibility from 26 to 46 years of age. HB 98 also prevents the state from seeking estate recovery payments from an account or its proceeds for benefits provided to the beneficiary of the account. This provision went into effect July 1, 2024. This age adjustment will significantly expand access to NM STABLE accounts for thousands of New Mexicans, including veterans and civilians who developed a disability later in life.
“We are incredibly proud of what our team accomplished for the New Mexico STABLE program to empower individuals with disabilities and provide them with greater financial independence,” State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya said. “We remain committed to fostering a more accessible and inclusive New Mexico for all its residents.”
Fast Facts about NM STABLE:
- Total Accounts: 2,175 (as of June 2025)
- National Ranking: 4th per capita among 12 partner states
- Largest Account Balance: $129,602.00
- Average Account Balance: $11,754.65 (as of June 30, 2025)
- Total NM Portfolio: $20.2 million
- Age Range: Account holders range from 1 to 93 years old
The NM STABLE program continues to work with state partners, including the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), to ensure the financial security of vulnerable populations, such as foster youth. The program remains dedicated to its mission of educating New Mexicans on this valuable resource, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save, plan, and invest with greater security and ease.
About NM STABLE
The New Mexico State Treasurer’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program is a tax-advantaged savings and investment program designed to help individuals with disabilities, and their families save money for qualified disability-related expenses. The program is administered by the State Treasurer’s Office in partnership with the Ohio Treasurer’s Office/STABLE Plan.
For more information:
Contact: Christina Perea & Denise Balderas at 505.629.2919 or atoutreach@sto.nm.gov.
Visit: nmstable.com.