CalKIDS gives money for college or career training to eligible students in California. There are two eligible groups:

• Low-income* public school students enrolled in grades 1-12 during 2021-2022 academic year
• Low-income* public school students enrolled in the 1st grade during 2022-2023 academic year and every year thereafter

Award Amounts:

• $500 for low-income public school students
• $500 more for foster youth
• $500 more for homeless youth

To be eligible, your child must have been enrolled on Fall Census Day** and must also be identified as English Learner or low-income by the Local Control Funding Formula. And, that information must be reported to the California Department of Education.

Claim a CalKIDS account

*Eligibility determined by Local Control Funding Formula
**Fall Census Day is the first Wednesday in October of the academic year

You will need the following information available to claim a CalKIDS account:

Newborns

1. Local Registration Number on child’s birth certificate or CalKIDS Code on the letter you received

2. Child’s date of birth (allow 90 days after child’s birth for info to be uploaded)

3. County where child was born

Students

1. Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) or CalKIDS Code on the letter you received

2. Student’s date of birth

3. County where student was enrolled

The following video provides more detailed information on claiming a CalKIDS account.

Watch Video: Claiming Your CalKIDS Account 

Claim a CalKIDS account

CalKIDS money can be used at eligible higher education institutions across the country. This includes community colleges, universities, vocational schools, and professional schools. To check if your school qualifies use the Federal School Code Search Tool.

CalKIDS funds can be used to cover education expenses such as…

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Room and board
• Computer equipment

To use your money for a qualified education expense, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Log in to your CalKIDS account
Step 2: Click “Request Distribution” and follow the directions

Note: For more detailed info, refer to the Program Guide