How CalABLE is Changing Lives: A New Era of Independence

With CalABLE, Californians with disabilities are achieving a new level of financial empowerment through long term savings and investments.

The Law That Changed Everything

In 2014, a bipartisan breakthrough in Congress sought to change that narrative. The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was signed into law by President Obama, creating a new financial tool designed specifically for people with disabilities. The law allowed for the creation of state-run savings programs where individuals could accumulate funds in tax-advantaged accounts without endangering their access to critical benefits. California quickly followed suit. The California ABLE Act was passed in 2015, and just a few years later, in December 2018, the state launched its own program: CalABLE.

How CalABLE Works

Opening an account with CalABLE is designed to be simple and accessible. Anyone who developed their disability before the age of 26 is currently eligible; however, this will soon expand to age 46, starting in 2026, under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. This change is expected increase eligibility  nationwide, including tens of thousands of Californians who were previously excluded. Signing up takes place entirely online. Applicants confirm their qualifying disability, and make an initial deposit of  $25 or more. Additional contributions can be as little as a dollar, making the program accessible to all income levels.

CalABLEcontributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for Qualified Disability Expenses, which cover a wide range of needs. These include housing, education, transportation, health care, assistive technology, and even basic living expenses. This flexibility is crucial, as it allows individuals to use their savings in ways that directly support their independence and quality of life. Families and friends can also contribute, whether through one-time gifts or regular deposits, making it a collective investment in a loved one’s future.

The program has limits designed to balance opportunity with benefit protection. Annual contributions are capped at around $15,000, though employed account holders may deposit more under the “ABLE to Work” provision. Savings of up to $100,000 are excluded from SSI asset limits, allowing individuals to build a meaningful nest egg without jeopardizing their eligibility. For many, this represents the first time they can think beyond short-term survival and start planning for long-term goals, such as homeownership, higher education, or retirement.

Real Stories: Families Finding Hope

Beyond the mechanics of the program, what stands out are the stories of real families who have embraced CalABLE. These accounts show the tangible difference that financial security can make. Angelina Neglia, mother of Tyler Schutz from San Diego, explained that,

Having a CalABLE account will help Tyler finally save money for all his medical and living expenses while also teaching him how to plan long-term for his career and future, just as you and I are able to do. The CalABLE program opens the door to life’s possibilities for Tyler.

Her perspective highlights an essential truth: financial tools are not just about numbers on a page, but about the confidence and dignity that come with the ability to make choices.

Similarly, Kelly Kulzer-Reyes, the mother of a young girl named Amelia, described the sense of fairness and independence the program provides.

I want Amelia to have money in her name, like her brothers do. A CalABLE account helps prepare her for living life on her terms, and even her great-grandma can help her save.

For Heather Scott, whose daughter, Gabby, is also a CalABLE account holder, the program represents new possibilities for financial stability. “The CalABLE program makes things like saving for a home possible,” she said.

These voices underscore how the program is reshaping what is possible for people with disabilities. Instead of being excluded from mainstream financial opportunities, they are being welcomed in, supported, and empowered to dream beyond their day-to-day lives.

Building a Foundation for the Future

CalABLE is still a relatively young program, but its trajectory is promising. Account holders have already saved hundreds of millions of dollars, and the number continues to grow each year. As the State Treasurer explained,

CalABLE can be a game-changer for the disability community. With CalABLE, people with disabilities have saved more than $200 million, helping them build financial security and independence while protecting their eligibility for public benefits.

Looking ahead, the expansion of eligibility in 2026 will likely mark another watershed moment. Millions of people who developed disabilities later in life, from veterans to individuals affected by illness or injury, will gain access to ABLE accounts for the first time. In California, advocates are already preparing to ensure that these newly eligible populations are aware of CalABLE and understand how to take advantage of it. The program’s continued success will depend on outreach, education, and the ongoing support of policymakers and community organizations.

Making Inclusion a Priority

As CalABLE Executive Director Thomas Martin emphasized, accessibility remains central:

One of my top goals for CalABLE is to make the program accessible in every sense. We now support 20 languages, we have simplified the enrollment process, and we are constantly improving our materials to make them easier to understand and more supportive of individuals with visual or communication disabilities. CalABLE also makes it easy for individuals to open accounts for themselves. When they need or would like assistance, someone can open an account on their behalf while still supporting the beneficiary’s ability to make financial decisions.

He added that the program is looking ahead to even more improvements:

Our goal is to go even further. On the horizon are program enhancements to better integrate supported decision-making and improve financial literacy. With eligibility expanding next year, now is the best time to think about how CalABLE can do even more to promote independence and self-advocacy.

A New Path to Dignity &  Independence

The community-wide implications are profound. Financial exclusion has long been one of the most persistent barriers facing people with disabilities. By offering a pathway to saving and investing, CalABLE fosters independence, reduces reliance on emergency aid, and supports long-term planning. It also provides peace of mind for families, who can now contribute directly to a loved one’s future without fear that their support will cause unintended harm. The ability for extended family members, even great-grandparents, to contribute reinforces the program’s role in strengthening bonds across generation

In the words of the families who have embraced it, CalABLE truly “opens the door to life’s possibilities.” It allows individuals with disabilities to plan, save, and dream with confidence, bringing them closer to the independence and dignity that financial security affords. For many, it is not simply a program, but a lifeline — a chance to build a future that reflects their hopes rather than their constraints.

Next Steps for Families and Individuals

CalABLE serves as a model for what thoughtful legislation and community collaboration can achieve.

• For those interested in learning more or beginning the enrollment process, the official CalABLE websites accessible and easy to navigate.

• About CalABLE: How it Works - Offers step-by-step guidance, FAQs, and resources for both individuals and organizations.

• Community members can also find downloadable toolkits, webinars, and outreach materials to help spread the word.

• Families are encouraged to speak with financial advisors, disability advocates, or local support organizations to explore how a CalABLE account might fit into their financial planning.