Did you know California has set aside over $2 billion to help children pay for college and career training? Yet, thousands of eligible families haven’t claimed their funds yet.
The CalKIDS scholarship (California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program) is a state initiative designed to jumpstart savings for newborns and low-income public school students.
It is not a loan, and for most families, there is no traditional application process, you just have to claim what is already yours.
Scholarship Summary
The CalKIDS program is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board. Its goal is to ensure that finances don’t stop California students from pursuing higher education.
- Award Amount: $25 to $1,500 (depending on eligibility category).
- Status: Open for claiming in 2026.
- Deadline: Rolling (Funds must be used before the student turns 26).
- Requirement: No essay, no GPA requirement, no income verification for the family to submit (eligibility is determined by state data).
Eligibility and Selection Process
Unlike private scholarships where a committee reviews essays, the CalKIDS scholarship eligibility is determined automatically based on data from the California Department of Public Health and the Department of Education.
There are two distinct groups eligible for funds. Check the table below to see if your child qualifies:
| Eligibility Group | Criteria | Award Amount |
| Newborns | All children born in California on or after July 1, 2022. (Regardless of household income) | • $25 (born between 7/1/22 – 6/30/23) • $100 (born after 7/1/23) • +$25 for registering online • +$50 for linking a ScholarShare 529 account |
| Students | Low-income public school students in grades 1–12. (Must be identified by the Local Control Funding Formula) | • $500 base award • +$500 if identified as a Foster Youth • +$500 if identified as Homeless (Max Award: $1,500) |
Note on “Low-Income” for Students
For the Student category, eligibility is based on the Fall Census Day (the first Wednesday in October of the previous academic year).
If your child was enrolled in a public school and identified as low-income or an English Learner on that day, they are likely eligible.
Scholarship Coverage: What Can You Buy?
The funds in a CalKIDS account are invested to grow over time. Once the student is at least 17 years old and enrolled in an eligible institution, the money can be used for qualified higher education expenses.
Eligible Institutions include
- Community colleges
- Universities (CSU, UC, private, and out-of-state)
- Vocational and trade schools
- Professional schools
Funds can cover
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Textbooks and required supplies
- Computer equipment and internet access
- Room and board (for students enrolled at least half-time)
How to Claim the CalKIDS Scholarship
Many parents are confused by the “application” process. Because enrollment is automatic, you do not apply. Instead, you claim the account that has been created for you.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You cannot claim the account without specific identification numbers.
For Newborns
You need the Local Registration Number (LRN).
Where to find it: Look at your child’s birth certificate. It is a 13-digit number.
Timing: You must wait 90 days after the child’s birth for the data to process before claiming.
For Students
You need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID).
Where to find it: This 10-digit number is often on your child’s report card, transcript, or school parent portal (like Series or PowerSchool). If you can’t find it, call your school’s main office.
Step 2: Register Online
- Visit the official CalKIDS website.
- Select “Claim My Account.”
- Enter the LRN (for newborns) or SSID (for students).
- Enter the child’s date of birth and the county where they were born/enrolled.
Step 3: Link a ScholarShare 529 (Optional but Recommended)
While not required, linking a separate ScholarShare 529 account to your CalKIDS account triggers a $50 bonus for newborn accounts.
This allows you to contribute your own money to their college savings, which you cannot do with the CalKIDS account alone.
2026 Application Timeline
While there is no strict “application deadline,” the program operates on specific cycles for data updates and informational events. Here is the schedule for 2026:
| Month | Activity / Action Item |
| January 2026 | Action: Families of babies born in late 2025 should check if their 90-day waiting period has passed to claim funds. |
| February 26, 2026 | Event: Live Webinar (11:00 am PST). Learn how to navigate the portal and claim funds. RSVP required. |
| March 26, 2026 | Event: Live Webinar (11:00 am PST). Topic: Maximizing your CalKIDS account. |
| April 23, 2026 | Event: Live Webinar (11:00 am PST). Topic: Financial literacy and linking accounts. |
| June 2026 | Action: High school seniors graduating in 2026 should verify their account balance before Fall semester begins. |
| June 25, 2026 | Event: Live Webinar (11:00 am PST). Final informational session before the new academic year. |
| October 2026 | Milestone: Fall Census Day. This date determines eligibility for new 1st-grade students entering the system for the next cycle. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the money expire?
Yes. If the funds are not used before the beneficiary turns 26 years old, the money is forfeited and returned to the program to help other students.
Exceptions may be made for appeals based on disability or extenuating circumstances.
Will this affect my other financial aid?
CalKIDS awards are treated as a scholarship.
When you request a distribution to your college, it may be counted as “financial aid” or “other estimated financial assistance” on your aid package. Always consult your university’s financial aid office.
I have a newborn. Why can’t I log in yet?
It takes approximately 90 days for the Department of Public Health to transfer birth records to the CalKIDS system. If your baby is only a few weeks old, please wait and try again after the 3-month mark.
Can I withdraw the cash?
No. Distributions are sent directly to the educational institution. You cannot withdraw the cash for personal use or unapproved expenses.
Next Steps
If you have a child in a California public school or a newborn at home, do not leave this money on the table.
- Locate your child’s SSID or LRN today.
- Visit the CalKIDS scholarship portal to claim your account.
- Watch the savings grow until your child is ready for their next big step in life.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
