Autism & California: CalABLE Account
CalABLE Accounts: What Disability Families Should Know
If you or your child has a disability, a CalABLE account may be an important tool to consider when planning for the future.
CalABLE helps eligible people with disabilities and their families save money for everyday needs and future goals while protecting eligibility for public benefits.
As we prepare for Avery to turn 18, we recently opened her CalABLE account. Here are the basics we learned about what CalABLE is, who may qualify, why families use it, how to open an account and how it can support greater financial independence.
What Is CalABLE?
CalABLE is a savings program for people with disabilities.
It allows eligible individuals and their families to save for the future while maintaining eligibility for public benefits.
The goal is to give people with disabilities another way to save for everyday needs and longer-term goals while building greater financial independence and quality of life.
CalABLE is a state-administered program, and thousands of families use it. According to CalABLE’s current campaign information, Californians have saved more than $250 million through the program.
Why Consider a CalABLE Account?
For many disability families, saving money isn’t as simple as opening a traditional savings account.
Eligibility for certain public benefits can be affected by an individual’s financial resources. CalABLE is designed to allow eligible individuals to save while maintaining eligibility for public benefits.
A CalABLE account can help individuals and families:
- Save for everyday needs
- Save toward future goals
- Maintain eligibility for public benefits
- Work toward greater financial independence
- Build financial security over time
- Start saving with a relatively small amount of money
You can begin a CalABLE account with just $25.
Who Is Eligible for CalABLE?
Eligibility has recently expanded, which means more people with disabilities may qualify.
CalABLE’s current eligibility information includes individuals whose disability began before age 46.
Having a disability does not necessarily mean someone automatically qualifies for an ABLE account. Families and individuals should check the current eligibility requirements directly with CalABLE to determine whether they qualify.
Does CalABLE Affect Public Benefits?
One of the primary reasons ABLE accounts were created is to give eligible people with disabilities a way to save money without automatically jeopardizing eligibility for certain public benefits.
CalABLE’s key message is that eligible individuals can save for their future while maintaining eligibility for public benefits.
Public-benefit rules can vary depending on the program and an individual’s circumstances. If you receive benefits such as SSI or other means-tested programs, review the current CalABLE and benefit-program rules before making financial decisions.
What Can CalABLE Money Be Used For?
CalABLE describes the program as a way to save for everyday needs and future goals while supporting greater financial independence and quality of life.
ABLE accounts are subject to rules governing how account funds may be used.
Because those rules matter, families should review CalABLE’s current guidance on eligible expenses before withdrawing or spending account funds rather than assuming a particular purchase or service qualifies.
For us, this is an important part of teaching Avery that saving money isn’t only about accumulating money. It’s also about understanding what money is for and learning to make thoughtful financial decisions.
How Do You Open a CalABLE Account?
The process can be completed entirely online.
We broke opening Avery’s account into three basic steps:
Step 1: Go to CalABLE (calable.ca.gov) and Open an Account
Start the online account-opening process and review the current eligibility information.
Step 2: Set Up the Account Online
Follow the online process to establish the account.
CalABLE accounts can be managed online, and customer support is available if assistance is needed.
Step 3: Start Saving
You can begin with as little as $25.
You don’t need to have a large amount saved before getting started. CalABLE emphasizes that every bit can help build toward an individual’s financial future.
How Can You Fund a CalABLE Account?
Once the account is established, the next step is deciding how saving will fit into your family’s financial plan.
For Avery, we’re looking at everyday sources of money already coming into her life, including things like:
- Birthday money
- Holiday gifts
- Money she earns doing chores
- Other money she may earn or receive as she gets older
We’re also using this as an opportunity to teach financial life skills.
Instead of automatically deciding where all of Avery’s money goes, we can involve her in questions such as: How much do you want to spend? How much do you want to save? What are you saving for?
That makes the account part of learning financial independence rather than simply another account managed by a parent.
Families should review CalABLE’s current contribution rules and limits before funding an account.
Can You Manage a CalABLE Account Online?
Yes. According to CalABLE, accounts are designed to be easy to manage using online tools, with customer support also available.
That can make it easier for families to incorporate the account into their ongoing financial planning.
For older teens and adults who are able to participate, the online tools may also provide an opportunity to involve the individual in understanding and managing their own finances with whatever level of support is appropriate for them.
Is It Too Late to Open an Account?
No. One of CalABLE’s campaign messages is: It’s never too late to start.
That’s an important point for families like ours.
We wish we had understood ABLE accounts earlier, but we didn’t. Avery is approaching 18, so we’re starting now.
You can begin with $25 and build from there.
How Does CalABLE Fit Into Transition Planning?
A CalABLE account is one tool within a much larger transition-to-adulthood plan.
As Avery approaches 18, we’re learning about multiple pieces of that transition, including:
- College and post-secondary transition programs
- Adult disability services
- Public benefits
- Employment
- Money management
- Independent living skills
- Transportation
- Self-advocacy
- Long-term financial planning
Financial independence doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything without support. For us, it means helping Avery understand her money, participate in decisions and gradually develop the skills she will need as an adult.
CalABLE gives us another tool to use as we work toward that goal.
CalABLE: The Key Things to Know
If you’re just beginning to research CalABLE, these are the basics we think are worth understanding:
- CalABLE is designed for eligible people with disabilities.
- It allows individuals to save for everyday needs and future goals.
- Eligible individuals can save while maintaining eligibility for public benefits.
- Eligibility now includes individuals whose disability began before age 46.
- Accounts can be opened and managed online.
- You can begin with just $25.
- CalABLE is designed to support greater financial independence and quality of life.
- Current eligibility, contribution, withdrawal and public-benefit rules should always be checked before making financial decisions.
For us, the biggest takeaway is simply knowing this resource exists.
As Avery enters adulthood, we’re trying to understand the tools available to her now rather than discovering them years later. Opening her CalABLE account is one more step in building the financial skills and supports she’ll need for whatever comes next.
Learn more, review current program rules and check eligibility at CalABLE.gov.
We are sharing our family’s experience and the information we’re learning along the way. We are not financial, legal, tax or benefits experts, and this should not be considered financial, legal, tax or benefits advice. Always verify current CalABLE rules and consider your family’s individual circumstances.
