This message only impacts account owners who have invested in the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option.

We previously shared that PA ABLE is transitioning to a new program manager, Vestwell, which will bring meaningful improvements to your PA ABLE account. Details of this transition are available in a comprehensive PA ABLE Transition Guide and at paable.gov/updates.

A video explaining changes to the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option and other important information about this transition may be found at paable.gov/updates.

Transition Timeline

On June 30, 2026, you will no longer be able to use your Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option debit card and checkbook. On July 23, 2026, the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option will close in its entirety. You will still be able to withdraw from the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option through the existing PA ABLE online account until July 23 at 4pm ET, at which point a blackout period will begin and will last until July 28.

New Investment Option

If you have money in the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option as of July 23 at 4pm, that money will automatically move during the transition to a new Capital Preservation Option—a low-risk option that earns steady, positive interest while keeping your money stable and accessible.

Checks and the New Reloadable PA ABLE Visa® Prepaid Card

Once the transition is complete on July 28, you’ll be able to request a new reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card for day-to-day spending. The reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card can be funded from any of your PA ABLE investment options and can be used anywhere a Visa debit card is accepted—online or in person.

After the transition is complete, you will be able to make payments by check for free from your PA ABLE account or make electronic transfers to an attached bank account from your PA ABLE account online at no additional cost.

Your Checking Account Statement and Transaction History

If you currently have access to the Fifth Third Bank online portal, you can continue viewing your Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option statements and transaction history through December 2027. Fifth Third Bank customer service can also access up to two years of account information to help with any questions about prior Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option activity.

Important Dates

• June 30, 2026 – Last day to use your Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option debit card and checkbook.

• July 1 – July 23, 2026 - You can still make contributions to your Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option. You can also request withdrawals from the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option, but you must do so either by a direct to bank transfer to a separate connected bank account, or by requesting a check, from the “Make a Withdrawal" section of your current online PA ABLE account.

• July 23, 2026 – 4pm ET – Transition to Vestwell begins. Your PA ABLE account will be unavailable for transactions starting July 23 at 4pm ET through July 28. Your Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option will close on July 23.

• July 28, 2026 – Transition complete. You will receive instructions on how to access your updated PA ABLE account. Your money in the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option will be available in the new Capital Preservation Option. You will be able to request a new reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card.

What You Should Do Before July 23

• Plan for the debit card and checkbook cutoff (June 30). If you use the Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option debit card or checkbook for daily expenses, start thinking about how you’ll cover those needs after June 30. You can still make withdrawals via electronic funds transfer or check through your online PA ABLE account.
• Need money during the transition period (July 23 – 28)? Your PA ABLE account will be unavailable during this blackout period. If you anticipate needing funds during this time, request a withdrawal before July 23. Plan ahead, as no transactions will be possible until July 28.
• Have a Systematic Withdrawal Plan or recurring contributions set up for your Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option? These will resume after the transition. Recurring transactions scheduled to occur between July 24 – 28 will be processed on July 29 from your new Capital Preservation Option. If this delay affects you, please make alternate plans now.

What Happens on July 28

• Your Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option funds will be available in the new Capital Preservation Option.
• You can request your new reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card through your new online account portal.
  • You must request a reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card—one will not be automatically sent to you.
• You will be able to load money to the card from any PA ABLE investment option at any time.
• Full access to your online account resumes, including transactions.

Advantages of Your New Reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card

The new reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card comes with meaningful upgrades over the existing Fifth Third Bank debit card. Here’s a quick look at what’s changing:

• Lower fees, greater convenience—No monthly fees or balance penalties. Access 55,000+ fee-free ATMs, get free cash back at merchants, and pay just $1.50 for domestic, out-of-network ATM withdrawals (down from $3.00).
• More ways to manage and protect your money—Set card limits, block certain purchase types, get custom alerts, and upload receipts to track spending—online or in the app.
• Available to all PA ABLE users—Currently, Fifth Third Bank Checking Account Option debit cards are only available to individual account owners. The new reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card is available to anyone, including organizations, government agencies, and non-profits. You can also order cards for multiple people to support decision-making and account management.
• Your savings work harder—Move funds to your card from any investment option, so your money stays invested until you actually need it.
• Use it anywhere—Your reloadable PA ABLE Prepaid Card works anywhere Visa is accepted, and you can send checks or manage bank transfers directly through your PA ABLE account dashboard.
• Customer support your way—Call, live chat, or email: the team is here to help however works best for you.

Everything you need—saving, spending, and support—now works together, with lower costs and more control over your money.

Have questions? Our customer service team is available Monday – Friday from 8am to 5pm at 855-529-ABLE (2253) or email us at transition@paable.gov.

Continue to visit paable.gov/updates for additional information and the latest updates related to this transition.

We’re excited to continue helping you power your life experiences with an even stronger PA
ABLE. Thank you for being an account holder and entrusting us to help every PA ABLE account holder achieve a better life experience.