What is CalKIDS and how do I claim my child's account?
CalKIDS is California's college savings program. The state opens an account with money already in it for every child born in California since July 1, 2022 ($25 or $100) and for low-income or English learner public school students ($500, plus $500 more for foster youth and $500 more for homeless youth). Families claim the account online at calkids.org with the child's student ID (SSID) or CalKIDS code, date of birth and county. The money can be used later at eligible colleges, universities and vocational schools anywhere in the US.
What CalKIDS is
CalKIDS (California Kids Investment and Development Savings) is a state program that opens a college savings account for eligible children and deposits money into it. It is not a scholarship you apply for: if your child qualifies, the account already exists. You only need to claim it to see the balance and add to it.
Who gets money, and how much
| Who | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Children born in California between July 2022 and June 2023 | $25 |
| Children born in California on or after July 1, 2023 | $100 |
| Low-income or English learner public school students (grades 1 to 12 in 2021-22, and first graders every year since) | $500 |
| Foster youth (in addition) | $500 more |
| Homeless youth (in addition) | $500 more |
For students, eligibility is based on being enrolled on the school's Fall Census Day and being identified as low-income or an English learner under the state's school funding formula. Many families with a high schooler have an account they have never claimed.
How to claim the account
- For a student: you need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) or the CalKIDS code from the school's letter, your child's date of birth and the county where they were enrolled.
- For a newborn: wait about 90 days after birth, then use the Local Registration Number (LRN) or CalKIDS code, the date of birth and the county of birth.
Claiming is free and is done on the official site, calkids.org. Your school's front office or counselor can look up a student's SSID if you do not have it.
If your child went to a California public school and qualified for free or reduced-price meals, there is a good chance $500 or more is waiting in their name. It takes a few minutes to claim.
What the money pays for
CalKIDS money can be used at eligible higher education institutions across the country, including community colleges, universities, vocational schools and professional schools. Covered expenses include tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and computer equipment.
The bigger California aid to plan for
CalKIDS is a helpful start, but the large dollars for California families come from state grants your student applies for in senior year:
- Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B, which can cover full tuition at UC and CSU for eligible students
- Middle Class Scholarship, for families above the Cal Grant income limits
- All California awards in one place: California scholarships and grants
How Solyo helps
Solyo tracks California aid deadlines and matches your student to the state and national awards they qualify for. Start with the California scholarship directory.
Free tools mentioned in this article
No account required. Use these tools to take the next step.