The DC Opportunity Accounts program is managed by the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB).
Opportunity Accounts Program FAQs
1. What is the status of the DISB Opportunity Accounts Program?
DISB is pausing the Opportunity Accounts Program until October 2026 to select a new vendor, secure funding and make process improvements. DISB will return your savings. Matching funds you have earned will be verified and processed. DISB will verify your balance and send you a notice with the amount and instructions. Refunds are typically issued within five business days after you receive your notice, depending on case review and verification requirements.
2. What should I do if I want to continue in the program?
The waiting list to reapply will reopen in October 2026, when the program reopens. If you are already on the waiting list, nothing else is required.
3. Can I check my balance during the transition?
Yes! You can check your balance using the Vista Share website.
4. What if I reached my savings goal and want matching funds?
If you have satisfied the program requirements, DISB will confirm your eligibility for matching funds and correspond with you regarding next steps.
5. I want to leave the program and get my savings back. What happens?
DISB plans to start sending refunds in the next 30 to 45 days. DISB will send correspondence with instructions to your address on file.
6. Can I do the required financial training now?
Training sessions are not being scheduled during the transition. New sessions will be announced once the program reopens. If you want to reapply, contact DISB at 202.727.8000 or [email protected].
7. I’m on the waiting list. What does the transition mean for me?
You will remain on the waiting list until a new program administrator is chosen and funding is secured. DISB will review the list and notify you if you are eligible to join the program.
8. Who can I talk to if I have questions?
You can email [email protected] and someone will reply within 24 hours or the next business day. If you can’t email, call DISB at 202.727.8000 and ask to speak with someone about the Opportunity Accounts Program in the Office of Financial Empowerment and Education.
For more information, contact DISB:
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 202.727.8000
Legal notice
• This FAQ provides general information about the Opportunity Accounts Program and the current transition. It does not replace any law, regulation, or formal notice, and it does not create contractual or legal rights. Program features, eligibility, timing, and funding are subject to verification, availability, and applicable District and federal law. DISB may update this information at any time. If there is any inconsistency between this FAQ and official program documents or notices, the official documents, or notices control. Use of third-party platforms (such as VistaShare) is subject to their availability; DISB is not responsible for outages or issues caused by third-party systems.
About the DC Opportunity Accounts Program
The DC Opportunity Accounts Program is a 4:1 matched savings program that helps qualified District residents save up to $7,500. The funds can be used to help pay for a variety of expenses, including education, first-time home purchases, small business development and retirement. Qualified residents make regular deposits of up to $1,500 in a savings account. Participants must be District residents, have earned income, have less than $10,000 in net assets (excluding primary residence and one vehicle), and maximum household income that does not exceed 85% of the DC median income ($86,650 for 2024).
How the Program Works
DC Opportunity Accounts works as follows: Qualified residents make regular monthly deposits of no less than $25 in an escrow savings account for a minimum of six months and maximum of 18 months. DISB matches the deposits 4:1. Participants who save $1,500 will get a match of $6,000, growing their contribution to $7,500. In addition, participants must participate in financial literacy and asset-specific training prior to receiving a match-savings withdrawal. For example, a person wanting to purchase their first home will be required to qualify for and participate in a first-time home buyer’s program.