How to Claim Your Child’s Trump Account (and Get the $1,000 Contribution)

If you have a child under 18, there’s a good chance they already have a Trump Account, even if you never signed up. Starting October 1, 2026, the U.S. Treasury automatically enrolled eligible children. But there’s a catch: an account that was opened automatically still has to be claimed by a parent or other authorized adult before anyone can manage it. If your child was born in 2025 through 2028, there may also be a $1,000 government contribution waiting, and you have to request it.

Here’s what Trump Accounts are, who qualifies, and exactly how to claim one.

What is a Trump Account?

According to the IRS, a Trump Account is “a new type of individual retirement account (IRA) for eligible children.” It was created by the law the IRS calls the Working Families Tax Cuts.

Think of it as a long-term investment account in your child’s name. The program has a few official partners:
– The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) is Treasury’s financial agent for the program.
– Robinhood Securities LLC is the brokerage provider and initial trustee.

Who is eligible?

A child qualifies for a Trump Account if they:
– Have a valid Social Security number, and
– Won’t turn 18 before the end of the calendar year in which the account is established.

Your child doesn’t need to qualify for the $1,000 contribution to have an account.

Who qualifies for the $1,000 contribution?

The federal government makes a one-time $1,000 contribution for children who:
– Are U.S. citizens,
– Were born from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028, and
– Have valid Social Security numbers.

You must elect this contribution, even if Treasury opened the account automatically. It doesn’t happen on its own.

Before you start: gather this information

The IRS recommends having these ready:
– Your name and identifying information
– Your child’s legal name
– Your child’s Social Security number
– Your child’s date of birth

Tip: make sure everything matches Social Security Administration records exactly. Mismatched names or birth dates are a common cause of delays.

Step-by-step: how to claim the account

1. Get the official app or website. Download the Trump Accounts app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or use the Trump Accounts website. Program information is at trumpaccounts.gov.
2. Start the claim process. This is also how you find out whether Treasury already opened an account for your child.
3. Verify your identity. You’ll confirm you are who you say you are.
4. Confirm your authority. You’ll answer questions about your relationship to the child, such as parent or legal guardian.
5. Claim and activate the account. Once you’re done, you can manage the account.

If Treasury opened the account automatically, you don’t need Form 4547 to open it.

Step-by-step: how to request the $1,000

1. Submit Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s), and select the option for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.
2. You can submit it through the Trump Accounts app, the Trump Accounts website, or your IRS Individual Online Account.
3. If you’ve already requested it, for example with your tax return, you don’t need to submit another election.

What if no account was opened automatically?

An authorized individual, such as a parent or legal guardian, can request one using Form 4547. The form’s instructions explain exactly who counts as authorized, so check them before you file.

Notices and letters you might receive

• Notice CP318: you may get this if you need to take more action to complete or correct an election. Follow the instructions in the notice. The IRS says its phone representatives can’t correct your election or help you claim the account.
• A letter from Treasury: this may arrive if your child may qualify for the $1,000 contribution. It explains the steps to take.
• Don’t file Form 1040-X to fix Form 4547 information. Use the CP318 instructions to resubmit instead.

Watch out for scams

Any new government program attracts scammers. To stay safe:
– Use only the official app from the official app stores, trumpaccounts.gov, or irs.gov.
– Don’t share your child’s Social Security number through texts, emails, or links you didn’t ask for.
– The official help line listed by the IRS is 866-USA-4547 (866-872-4547).

How much else can go in?

Beyond the government contribution, the IRS’s Form 4547 instructions say other contributions are subject to an annual limit of $5,000, adjusted for inflation after 2027. Rules on investments, withdrawals, and taxes are detailed, so check trumpaccounts.gov before you contribute.

How it fits with your other savings

A Trump Account is just one option for your child. Compare it with a 529 plan and a custodial account before deciding where extra money goes; see Best Investing Apps For Minors. If your teen has a job, read Investing Under 18 – Getting Started. Want to show your kids why starting early matters? Our guide to compound interest explains it simply.

And don’t let your child’s account come before your own safety net. See How to Start Investing.

Quick checklist

• Download the official app or visit the Trump Accounts website
• Claim and activate your child’s account
• Born 2025–2028? Submit Form 4547 for the $1,000
• Double-check names, SSNs, and birth dates against SSA records
• Watch your mail for CP318 or Treasury letters

The bottom line

Many families already have a Trump Account waiting. Claiming it takes a few steps in the official app, and if your child was born from 2025 through 2028, requesting the $1,000 is worth doing now.