Trump Accounts for kids launch: Here's who qualifies for free money, how to sign up

Monday, July 20, 2026 3:58PM PT
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The so-called "Trump Accounts" for kids -- meant to help families invest on behalf of their children -- officially went live on July 4, 2026.

According to the White House, 6 million accounts had been requested as of July 6. That's less than 10 percent of those who are eligible.

Because some children qualify for a free $1,000 deposit into their account, we wanted to provide a quick recap of who is eligible and how to sign up.

Trump Accounts are tax-deferred investment accounts aimed at building long-term wealth and retirement savings. Think of them like kid IRAs.

The accounts are available to all children under 18, as long as they are U.S. citizens and have a valid Social Security number.



The accounts must be opened by a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or sibling on the child's behalf.

And here's an important distinction -- not every account will receive the $1,000. Only children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, will receive an automatic $1,000 seed investment from the federal government.

So how do you sign up?

The IRS has Form 4547. You can fill one out online -- or, the Social Security Administration recently announced they would be making a new way to easily sign up your newborn, right from the hospital.

7 On Your Side reached out to Social Security to ask when the streamlined hospital signups will be available; the SSA responded but did not provide an update.

Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side.

7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here. As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If we believe we can be of assistance, we will reach back out in response.



If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.