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Frequently asked questions

Scroll down to see answers to things we get asked a lot. If you're looking for something specific, enter or choose a keyword below.

Does having an account affect my other benefits?
Generally, no. You can open and maintain a CalABLE account while keeping your federal and state benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, HUD Assistance, Section 8, etc.). If you receive SSI, there is a $100,000 limit on the CalABLE account balance before funds start counting against your $2,000... Read more
What kind of benefits do I get?
One of the main benefits of having a CalABLE account is being able to save for eligible expenses and invest for the future in a tax-advantaged account. The account’s growth is tax-free. In some states, contributions to an ABLE account may qualify you for a state income tax deduction. A tax... Read more
How do I prove my eligibility?

You will be asked a series of questions when opening your account. If your eligibility depends on a medical diagnosis, you will not need to produce a copy of your diagnosis to open an account, but you must have the diagnosis available and provide it upon request.

Do I have to be a resident of California to open a CalABLE account?

No. Residents from any state may open a CalABLE account.

How much does it cost to open an account?

There is no fee to open an account. However, you’ll need to make an initial deposit of at least $25 to get started and a $1 minimum for any contribution after that. Additionally, there are some minimal fees that apply to all accounts.

What are the fees?

Who controls the funds in a CalABLE account?
The Eligible Individual is considered to be the account owner. However, anyone who is selected by the eligible individual with legal capacity, who has Power of Attorney, is a conservator or legal guardian, a spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, or a representative payee (individual or... Read more
What happens if the beneficiary is no longer eligible for an account?
If a beneficiary no longer meets eligibility requirements, they (or their account manager) should sign in to the account’s settings and update their eligibility. Their account will remain open, and they can continue to use the account. However, withdrawals made at a time the beneficiary is no... Read more
Who can open a CalABLE account for an eligible beneficiary?
An adult beneficiary with a qualifying disability can open and manage a CalABLE account. If a beneficiary is under the age of 18 or unable to open an account on their own, they must have an Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR) do it for them. An ALR may be anyone who is selected... Read more
Can a Social Security Representative Payee open an account for a beneficiary?
If you’re an eligible beneficiary with a Representative Payee, you can open an account for yourself. If you have legal capacity, you may select a Representative Payee to open and manage an account for you. Otherwise, to have a Representative Payee open and manage an account for you, they must... Read more
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Sign up and start saving

Once you are ready to enroll, you can set up your account here online. When opening a CalABLE account, make sure you have ready identifying information about the beneficiary, the qualifying disability, and how the CalABLE account will be funded.

Create your account

Events

Find out about the upcoming events for CalABLE.

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Still have questions?

You can contact us online, give us a call Monday through Friday, at 1-833-225-2253 from 6am–5pm PT, or you can browse frequently asked questions.

Individuals with speech or hearing disabilities may dial 711 to access Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) from a telephone or TTY.

Go to FAQs

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the California 529A Qualified ABLE Program (CalABLE Program). Please call toll-free 833-Cal-ABLE (833-225-2253) or read our Program Disclosure Statement (PDF) containing this and other information. Read it carefully.

Before investing in any ABLE program, you should consider whether your home state provides its taxpayers with favorable state tax or other benefits that are only available through investment in the home state's ABLE program. You also should consult your financial, tax, or other adviser to learn more about how state-based benefits (or any limitations) would apply to your specific circumstances. You also may wish to directly contact your home state's ABLE program, or any other ABLE program, to learn more about those plans' features, benefits and limitations. State-based benefits should be one of many appropriately weighted factors to be considered when making an investment decision.

The CalABLE Program is offered by the State of California. Vestwell State Savings LLC is the program manager. Vestwell Advisors LLC is the investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

None of the State of California, its agencies, Vestwell State Savings LLC or Vestwell Advisors LLC nor any of their applicable affiliates insures accounts or guarantees the principal deposited therein or any investment returns on any account or investment option, and you may lose the principal amount invested. They also do not provide legal, financial, tax, or investment advice to any individual. The FDIC-Insured Portfolio is FDIC-insured up to $250,000, subject to certain restrictions. Interests in the CalABLE Program are not registered with or in any way approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities commission.

The Plan Web site is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security that may be referenced on the site. Such offer or solicitation can be made only through the Disclosure Statement.

The Plan Web site contains links to other Web sites. Neither the Plan nor Vestwell State Savings LLC and its affiliates are responsible for the content of those other Web sites. The accuracy of information on those sites cannot be confirmed.

The Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., St. Paul, MN 55103, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. This card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement.

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