Individual Development Accounts

This document, in Q&A format, explains the basics of IDAs and is written for consumers. Eligibility, selecting a program, and general differences between programs are covered.

This page covers all the basics of IDAs including what they are, who qualifies, funding sources, and how to start an IDA program. Also available is a link to join a network of IDA providers.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of IDAs, including the what, why and how, as well as an outline of state-supported IDA programs and various policy options for states and communities.

This page offers a brief history of IDAs, a description of the role of banks, and a breakdown of where the match comes from, which states have state-supported IDA programs, and examples of successful IDA outcomes.

This brief fact sheet describes IDA programs, eligibility requirements, and how AFI grantees can work with domestic violence programs to offer IDAs to survivors.

This study examines saving rates, withdrawals, and purchases made among 125 women who participated in the IDA program in St. Louis, MO.

The goal of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the federal government's efforts to encourage asset accumulation. The full report offers a survey of current federal asset-building programs, specifically describes recently enacted relevant legislation and the President's 2013 budget proposals, and includes an analysis of current tax policies that promote asset building objectives.

Minimal research has examined the affect of public assistance rules on saving and asset accumulation among low-income families.

This brief paper discusses the importance of financial education programs, and specific considerations when working with domestic violence survivors.

The Center for Social Development undertook a review of current research on IDAs in the U.S. This report details this data gathering project, and highlights prime research examples as well as both common and uncommon findings.

This report provides the first national estimates of the effects of individual development accounts on participants in the Assets for Independence program.

Results indicate that participating in an IDA increases financial assets, and participants with less wealth experience greater benefits than those with more wealth. Importantly, the research suggests that participating in an IDA program changes participant's overall savings behavior and increases the affinity for saving.

This brief document presents an overview of the challenges and considerations when creating an IDA program with Native American communities.

It includes online resources, a snapshot of participating programs across the country, and sample interview questions when working on financial literacy with immigrant populations.

This fact sheet specifically addresses the impact of IDAs on SSI and SSDI.

This study describes outcomes in the first large-scale CDA demonstration in the U. S. The research examines connections between savings outcomes and incentives in an asset-building program for children and highlights implications for CDA policy and design.

This paper reviews the relationship between assets and children's long-term educational attainment, and highlights Child Development Accounts (CDAs) as an important asset in this equation.

This summary report details the experience of over 1100 children in 12 states, working with the SEED program. Included is information on related state and federal policy, market development, and communications. The results of this research have implications for the design of a larger system of CDAs.