The Office of Treasurer Erick Russell

Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET)

In February 2021, Fidelity Investments became the new program manager of the State's 529 college savings plan. Participants with accounts created before that date should visit the Fidelity CHET Transition website at Fidelity.com/CHETactivate for more information on the transition of your 529 account and how to activate.

 

How to use your CHET account:

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About the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET)

CHET is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan that's helping families and individuals plan for the cost of higher education. CT Treasurer Erick Russell is Trustee of CHET.

CHET is a tax-advantaged, low cost savings program specifically designed to help families save for future college costs. The funds can be used at accredited colleges and universities across the country, including vocational and technical schools, and some colleges abroad.

CHET features state and federal tax free earnings and withdrawals on qualified higher education expenses. Connecticut families can take an income tax deduction (up to $5,000 for single filers, $10,000 for joint filers) on contributions to CHET accounts. Please click CHET Disclosure Booklet to download a PDF file to read for more information.

The CHET Direct program offers on-line enrollment. A CHET account can be opened by any individual, including a grandparent, family friend or neighbor. CHET Direct is professionally managed by Fidelity Investments which has more than 70 years of investment experience and currently manages 529 assets for more than 1 million participants nationwide. It has 39 professional managed investment portfolios. For information or materials call 1-888-799-CHET (2438) or visit http://aboutchet.com/.

The Treasurer established the CHET Advisor, the advisor-sold 529 program with Fidelity Investments. The CHET Advisor plan has eight age-based, two static, and 17 individual portfolios that provide investment choice and flexibility. For information, call 877-208-0098, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday or visit https://institutional.fidelity.com/app/item/RD_9894866/chet-advisor-529-plan.html.

CHET Dream Big Competition

The Dream Big! Competition is an exciting program offered by Connecticut’s Office of the Treasurer (OTT). The competition gives Connecticut parents and guardians the opportunity to win money toward their child’s future education. Learn more here: https://www.fidelity.com/about-chet/dream-big-competition

NOTE: For questions about the prior CHET Advance Scholarship program, call 1-888-799-CHET (2438).

CHET Baby Scholars

The CHET Baby Scholars Program is a college savings incentive program available to Connecticut residents.  The Baby Scholars Program is sponsored by the Connecticut State Treasurer’s Office and, effective July 1, 2021, provides a one-time $100 contribution to an individual CHET Direct Plan Account opened by a child’s first birthday or within the first year after the adoption of a child.  A Beneficiary is eligible for only one $100 contribution regardless of the number of CHET 529 Accounts opened on behalf of the Beneficiary.  For more information, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-chet/baby-scholars.

 

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Check CHET Out!

Computer Icon Visit the CHET Transition website: https://www.fidelity.com/chetactivate

Computer Icon Visit the CHET Direct website: www.aboutchet.com.
Phone Icon Call the CHET Direct toll-free telephone center, 1-888-799-CHET (2438), Monday through Friday between 8 am and 9 pm.

Computer Icon Any issues with CHET Call Center – let us know : Send email to ott.CHET@ct.gov