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.
- ALR
- Benefits
- Eligibility
- Fees
- General
- Gifting
- How it works
- Linking bank accounts
- Opening an account
- Prepaid card
- Qualified expenses
- Successors and Estates
- Tax benefits
- 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... Read more
- How do I prove a qualified expense?
-
Keep your receipts and documentation for all qualified expenses in case the IRS wants to see them. We don’t require proof of your expenses, but you should have it for your records.
- Can I use funds to pay for housing or rent?
- Yes, you can use money from a CalABLE account for housing expenses. If you’re eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the money must be used within the month it was withdrawn so it doesn’t affect your SSI eligibility. The balance held in your CalABLE account doesn’t affect other housing... Read more
- What are qualified expenses?
- There’s a wide range of qualified expenses that cover most expenses related to your disability. Some of these include: living expenses, education, housing, transportation, employment, vacation, job training, career support, assistive technology, personal support services, health, prevention,... Read more
- How do I set up SSA direct deposits?
- Complete the setup process in three simple steps: Log in to your ABLE account and click on “Direct Deposit” on the Total Balance tile. Or, once logged in, go to “Transfers > Direct Deposit.” Enter your information and retrieve your direct deposit details that can be provided to the SSA —... Read more
- How can I connect a bank account?
- Log in to your account, go to the “Settings” tab and click on the “Add a new bank” button. Follow the steps to link a new bank account by connecting via Plaid or manually adding an account. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to withdraw money to a newly added bank account immediately. There is a... Read more
- What if I already receive direct deposit payments from the SSA in a different account?
-
To switch the account you receive your direct deposits in, you will need to update your settings with the SSA. You can update your deposit settings in your Social Security account here.
- Who do I contact for help with SSA direct deposits?
-
If you need help updating your ABLE account settings or finding your account number, contact us.
For help updating your direct deposit information with the SSA, you can reach out to their team here.
- I have set up my account to receive SSA direct deposits, what should I do next?
-
In order to complete the process, you will need to update your direct deposit settings with the SSA to provide your account information.
- I have set up my account to receive payroll direct deposits, what should I do next?
-
In order to complete the process, you will need to provide your ABLE account routing information and let them know how much of your paycheck you would like to send to your account.
This includes: Account Routing Number, Account Number, Account Type and Financial Institution.
