Reviewed October 28, 2026 · About 6 minutes

If your child is under 18 and has a Social Security number, there's a good chance they already have a Trump Account. On October 1, 2026, the U.S. Treasury automatically opened accounts for eligible children who didn't have one yet, which Treasury says covers more than 60 million kids. The catch is that nobody can manage the account or add money until a parent or guardian claims it. And if your baby was born in 2025 through 2028, the $1,000 Treasury deposit needs its own request.

This guide explains both steps in plain English.

What a Trump Account is

A Trump Account is an investment account that belongs to your child. It works like a traditional IRA with special rules while your child is young. A parent or guardian manages it until the child is grown.

  • The money is invested in low cost index funds made up mostly of U.S. companies. Yearly fund fees are capped at 0.1%, and you don't have to pick stocks.
  • Withdrawals generally aren't allowed until the year your child turns 18. Starting January 1 of that year, regular IRA rules apply, which can include taxes and an early withdrawal penalty.
  • It's an investment, not a savings account, so the balance can go down as well as up.

Does your child qualify for the $1,000?

Every eligible child can have an account, but only some qualify for the one time $1,000 Treasury deposit. Your child qualifies if all of these are true:

  • Born from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028
  • A U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security number
  • Nobody else has already requested the $1,000 for this child

The adult who requests it should expect the child to be their qualifying child on their federal taxes that year. Usually that's a parent.

How to claim the account

Start at TrumpAccounts.gov and follow its links to the official Trump Accounts app or website.

  1. Look up your child's account. It may already exist from automatic enrollment. Don't try to open a second one.
  2. Verify who you are. You'll confirm your identity and your relationship to the child. Names, birth dates and Social Security numbers need to match Social Security's records exactly.
  3. Review and accept. Check your child's information, read the account terms, and finish activating. Save the confirmation.
  4. Check the $1,000 separately. Claiming the account doesn't request the $1,000 for you. If your child qualifies, go to the next step.

How to request the $1,000

The $1,000 is requested on IRS Form 4547 by checking the pilot program box. According to the IRS, you can submit it through the Trump Accounts app, the account website, or your IRS Individual Online Account. It can also be filed with an original tax return.

  • Don't amend a tax return just to add Form 4547. The IRS instructions say not to attach it to an amended return.
  • If you already requested it, don't file again because the money hasn't shown up. Keep your confirmation and check the status in the app.
  • The deposit only arrives after your request is processed, the account is claimed, and your child's eligibility is confirmed.
Cover of the Baby’s First $1,000 printable kit

Want it all on paper?

The printable kit has eligibility checklists, a prep sheet, a scam check and a record page to keep with your child's papers.

See the kit

How to avoid scams

New government money attracts scammers fast. Treasury says activation emails come only from no-reply@TrumpAccounts.Treasury.gov. Later messages may come through the app or from addresses ending in @trumpaccount.com. Even so, a familiar sender isn't proof. When in doubt, type TrumpAccounts.gov into your browser yourself and check there.

Stop right away if anyone asks you to:

  • Pay a fee, or send gift cards, crypto or a wire transfer, to get the $1,000
  • Share a password or verification code by email, text or phone
  • Pay right now because the money supposedly expires today
  • Download an app from a link they sent you

Adding money and the yearly limit

Family, friends and employers can add money, but they all share one limit per child: $5,000 a year in 2026 and 2027, with inflation adjustments after that. Employers can add up to $2,500 per worker each year without it counting as federal taxable income, though payroll taxes may still apply, and that amount counts toward the $5,000.

The $1,000 Treasury deposit doesn't count toward the limit. Neither do approved government or charity contributions, or a full balance transfer from another Trump Account.

Common questions

My child was born before 2025. Can they have an account?
Yes, as long as they meet the account rules. They just won't get the $1,000.
The account already exists. Am I done?
Not yet. Claim and activate it so you can manage it, and request the $1,000 if your child qualifies.
Do I have to put money in?
No. You can claim the account and request the $1,000 without adding any of your own money.
Does it cost anything to sign up?
No. The government tools are free. Anyone charging a fee to "unlock" your $1,000 is a scam.

Official sources

This guide is general information, not tax, legal or investment advice. Rules can change, so confirm the latest details on the official sites before you act. FormFriendlyKits is independent and isn't affiliated with the IRS or the U.S. Treasury.