What happens if I withdraw money for a non-qualified expense?

You may have to pay income taxes, plus an additional 10% federal tax and a 2.5% California state tax on the earnings portion of any withdrawal for a non-qualified expense. A withdrawal used for non-qualified expenses, or for housing expenses even if they are qualified disability expenses, may count against your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or Medicaid if not spent in the same month as the withdrawal from your CalABLE account.