About CalABLE
Opening an account
Getting started with CalABLE is fast and easy. We’ll ask for some information about the beneficiary, the qualifying disability, and how the account will be funded. To complete the setup, you’ll customize your account and make decisions about the money you deposit.
You’ll need to make an initial deposit of at least $25 to get started and a $1 minimum for any contribution after that. You can save money in a cash option and/or invest it in any of the program’s investment options. The choice is up to you.
Picking an investment option
There are eight types of financial portfolios to pick from:
Income Portfolio
Conservative Portfolio
Income and Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Conservative Growth Portfolio
Moderate Growth Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
FDIC Insured Portfolio
Each investment option has its own benefits and limitations. CalABLE provides a mix of options so you can find the one that is the right fit for you.
Adding money
With the online platform powered by Vestwell, adding money to your account is simple and intuitive. Your bank account is securely connected to the CalABLE account to protect your information. You can add money whenever you want, even as little as $1 at a time, or every month with automatic transfers and direct deposits from your SSA benefits or paycheck, to help you reach the $18,000 yearly maximum. Friends and family can also add to your account by making gift contributions.
Direct Deposits
Users can contribute to their accounts using fast, secure direct deposits from either the Social Security Administration or their paycheck.
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 unique direct deposit details, including your routing and account number.
Complete the process by:
a) Federal Benefit Direct Deposit: Updating your direct deposit details with the SSA. If you are receiving SSI benefits, you will need to update your direct deposit details by phone at +1 800-772-1213 (for TTY call +1 800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security Administration office.
OR
b) Payroll Direct Deposit: Providing your employer with the direct deposit details, the same as you would with your own checking or savings account
Savings Boosters
If you’re looking for a fun and convenient way to save and achieve more, Savings Boosters can help you make hassle-free contributions.
You can now set up Weather Boosters in the transfers navigation dropdown of your online account to make hassle-free (and automatic) deposits when there is a 50%+ chance of precipitation predicted in your location by weather.gov. Your account balance can go up every time rain, hail, sleet, or snow are forecasted to come down.
And don’t forget, you’re in charge! You decide how much you want to contribute and save with each weather event.
We do not guarantee that contributions will be made during each forecasted weather event when Savings Boosters are enabled on your account. The feature relies on data which is provided to us by third-party services unaffiliated with Vestwell and carries some degree of variability.
Using your account
Just log into your account and request a withdrawal amount. The withdrawal can be sent to your bank account, electronically loaded on to your ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card, or you can request a paper check made out to the ALR or beneficiary for a small fee. You can transfer a minimum of $5 online from your CalABLE account to your bank account.
Fees
There are minimal costs associated with maintaining your account. An annual fee of $30 per year is deducted in quarterly installments from each CalABLE account. There are also low fees on the underlying investment options plus a state administrative fee. Additional fees are applied to your account if you opt out of electronic statements or request a withdrawal check, instead of doing everything online.
