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
- Can I still work and have an account?
- Yes. With the ABLE to Work Act you can even contribute up to an extra $14,580 (as of 2024) to your CalABLE account if you are working, in addition to the yearly contribution limit of $18,000. Keep in mind that CalABLE accounts help protect assets from counting against benefit asset limits. They do... Read more
- Can there be more than one Authorized Legal Representative (ALR)?
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No. There can be only one Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) per account, but you can change an ALR by filling out a Change of Authorized Legal Representative Form.
- Does the Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) own the account with the beneficiary?
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No. Regardless of who opens the account, the beneficiary is the sole owner of all the funds.
- Who owns the account?
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The beneficiary is the only owner of the account.
- Can I close and transfer my CalABLE account to a different ABLE program?
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Yes, but you can make only one rollover every 12 months. Use the CalABLE Account rollover forms to start the process.
- Can I transfer an existing ABLE account into my CalABLE account?
- Yes, you can use the ABLE to ABLE Rollover Form to get started. Keep in mind that you can only make one rollover every 12 months. A CalABLE account can also be rolled over to an eligible member of the family if the rollover happens before the death of the original beneficiary who opened the... Read more
- Does my location matter?
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No. A CalABLE account is available nationwide to residents of any state as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
- What type of disabilities qualify for an account?
- A qualifying disability includes blindness or a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations. The disability must have developed before the age of 26 and will last, or has lasted, at least a year. Additionally, the disability must... Read more
- Am I eligible for a CalABLE account?
- To be eligible for an ABLE account, the beneficiary must: Be blind or have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations, and such condition developed before the age of 26 and will last, or has lasted, at least a year; Be a U.S.... Read more
- Who can have an account?
- Anyone who developed a qualifying disability or blindness before the age of 26 and meets all eligibility criteria can have a CalABLE account. If you are over 18 years old, you can open your own account; if not, an Authorized Legal Representative can do it. Either way, you can have only one ABLE... Read more