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Can You Have an HSA If You Are Not Working?

Published December 5, 2022

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Short answer: Yes—you can have an HSA even if you are not working, as long as you are enrolled in an HDHP and meet the other eligibility requirements mentioned.

HSA eligibility when not working

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a valuable tool for saving money on healthcare expenses, but many people wonder if they can still have an HSA if they are not currently working. The good news is that you can have an HSA even if you are not working, as long as you meet certain eligibility requirements.

One of the main criteria for being eligible to have an HSA is being enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Whether you're working or not, as long as you have an HDHP, you can open and contribute to an HSA.

Key requirements and continued use of HSA

Here are some key points to consider:

  • HSAs are not tied to your employment status, so you can have one even if you are not working.
  • To contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in an HDHP and not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.
  • If you had an HSA while you were working and then stopped working, you can still use the funds in your HSA for qualified medical expenses.
  • Even if you are retired or self-employed, you can still contribute to an HSA as long as you have an HDHP.

Concluding confirmation for non-employed individuals

So, if you are not currently working but have an HDHP, you can definitely have an HSA to help you save for healthcare costs.

Yes, you can absolutely have a Health Savings Account (HSA) even if you are not currently employed, making it an excellent option for managing your healthcare costs during transitions in your career.

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