How does the $35,000 lifetime limit work for 529-to-Roth-IRA rollovers?

The $35,000 lifetime limit applies to the specific beneficiary of the 529 plan, not the account owner. Because you are restricted by the annual Roth IRA contribution limits, it will take several years to reach the full $35,000 maximum. If you change the beneficiary of the 529 plan to another qualifying family member, that new beneficiary may also be eligible for a separate $35,000 lifetime limit.