Start a CalABLE Account

What is a CalABLE Account?

‍CalABLE is the state of California’s ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings and investment program for eligible individuals with disabilities.

ABLE accounts were created through a federal law passed in 2014 to help individuals and families save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining access to certain public benefits programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

A CalABLE account can be used for many qualified disability-related expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, education expenses, transportation, health and wellness costs, assistive technology, home improvements, property taxes, daily living expenses, and more!
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How is it Different From a Typical Savings Account?

Money in a typical savings account may count toward asset limits for certain public benefits programs. However, earnings in a CalABLE account are tax-deferred for both federal and California state tax, and withdrawals used for qualified disability-related expenses are tax-free.

This means eligible individuals can save money for future expenses while helping maintain access to benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
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How Much Can You Contribute to Your Account?

CalABLE accounts have an annual contribution limit that may change from year to year. For 2026, individuals can contribute up to $20,000 annually to a CalABLE account. Contributions can come from the account holder, family members, friends, employers, trusts, or other approved sources.

Some employed account holders may also qualify to save additional money through the ABLE to Work program. In 2026, eligible individuals may be able to contribute up to an additional $15,650 beyond the standard annual contribution limit, depending on income and participation in employer-sponsored retirement plans.

For individuals receiving SSI , over the years you can gradually accumulate a balance of up to $100,000 in a CalABLE account without it counting toward SSI asset limits. Medi-Cal and many other public benefits programs are generally not affected by the amount saved in the account. Individuals who do not receive SSI may continue contributing each year until the account reaches the program maximum balance limit, which is currently $529,000. Learn more about contribution limits and account benefits on the CalABLE website here.

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Who is Eligible for a CalABLE Account?

To qualify for a CalABLE account, the beneficiary must:

• Have a disability or qualifying medical condition that began before age 46
• Have a U.S. permanent address that is not a Post Office Box
• Have a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number

You must also meet one of the following conditions:

• Qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to a disability
• Have a condition that:
  
  • Is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death, and
  • Causes marked and severe functional limitations, and 
  • Has been diagnosed by a licensed doctor, and 
  • Is listed on the Social Security Administration’s “Listing of Impairments" or “List of Compassionate Allowances Conditions”

Still unsure if you are eligible? Use this screener to find out.

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Ready to Open a CalABLE Account?

There is no fee to open a CalABLE account. You’ll need a minimum opening deposit of $25 to get started and at least $1 for additional contributions after opening the account.

Visit CalABLE to see if you qualify and get started today!

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Knowledge Check

Let's do a quick knowledge check on CalABLE accounts!