California has a program that puts scholarship money aside for eligible children Some families may not realize the funds are already waiting to be claimed. It's called CalKIDS, and checking whether your child qualifies takes only a few minutes.

CalKIDS is administered by the state through the ScholarShare Investment Board. It provides funds for future college or career training expenses. Families do not need to deposit their own money to receive an eligible child's initial award.

Who qualifies—and how much?

There are two main groups. California-born children on or after July 1, 2022 are eligible regardless of family income. Those born July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023 receive an initial $25 scholarship; those born on or after July 1, 2023 receive an initial $100.

Families can receive another $25 for claiming the account and $50 for linking a ScholarShare 529 account, if eligible under the program's rule. That brings the potential total to $100 or $175, depending on the birth date.

Eligible public-school students may receive $500, with an additional $500 for foster youth and another $500 for students identified as homeles. A potential total of $1,500. Eligibility generally covers qualifying low-income or English learner students enrolled in grades 1–12 in 2021–22, or in first grade in 2022–23 or later, based on state education records. Not every student qualifies, and award amounts depend on the student's circumstances.

You can review the eligibility rules and use the official CalKIDS eligibility checker rather than guessing from income or school attendance.

How to check for an account

For a school age student, have the student's 10 digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), date of birth and county of school enrollment available. The SSID may be listed on a report card, transcript or school-family portal; if you cannot find it, ask the school office.

For a California born younger child, use the 13 digit Local Registration Number from the birth certificate, the child's date of birth and county of birth. A CalKIDS code from a letter may also work. The program does not require a Social Security number or tax identification number to participate.

Visit CalKIDS.org, select the eligibility or claim option, and follow the instructions to view and claim the account. If you cannot locate the number you need, the CalKIDS help page explains where to find it.

What can the money pay for?

The scholarship is intended for eligible expenses at qualified colleges, community colleges, universities, vocational or career training institutions. Not immediate household spending.

Qualifying costs can include:

•  tuition
• required fees
• books, supplies
• certain computer equipment
• room and board under applicable rules.

The program provides instructions for requesting a distribution when the student is ready to use the funds.

One timely opportunity in October

CalKIDS is also advertising a limited-time $25 LifeCents learning incentive for qualifying account holders who complete two specified financial literacy lessons between October 1 and October 31, 2026.

Not every account qualifies, and other program conditions apply; any eligible award is scheduled to be added by December 31. Check the official promotion and terms before participating.

Why it's worth checking

An award of $500 or even $100 won't cover an entire education, but it could help with future books, supplies or fees. The most important first step is simply checking whether an eligible child has money set aside and making sure the family can access the account when the time comes.

Quick takeaway: If you have a school age child, college-bound student or a child born in California since July 2022, take a moment to check CalKIDS.org.

There is no fee to check eligibility or claim a CalKIDS scholarship.