CalABLE is California’s savings program for people with disabilities. It lets account holders save money without impacting their eligibility for certain public benefits.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal recipients will have a standard asset limit of $130,000. That means Medi-Cal recipients will need to have $130,000 or less in assets (such as money in a bank account) to remain eligible for Medi-Cal beginning next year. But this limit does not include money saved in a CalABLE account. You can save up to $529,000 in a CalABLE account without impacting your Medi-Cal eligibility. In most cases, CalABLE accounts also are exempt from Medi-Cal estate recovery.
HOWEVER, the $100,000 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limit will remain in effect. If you receive SSI and want to keep your eligibility, you will want to stay below the $100,000 limit in your CalABLE account.
Importantly, money earned through CalABLE’s eight investment portfolios is tax free when used for qualified expenses.
Read the Empowering the Disability Community with CalABLE presentation for more information.
To open an account, visit the CalABLE website.