Quick answer: Most U.S. children under 18 with a valid Social Security number can have a Trump Account opened in their name. However, qualifying for the account and qualifying for the one-time $1,000 federal pilot contribution are two separate questions — many children will have an account without receiving the $1,000.
This page explains both sets of requirements in plain English, shows you how they differ, and points you to the official government process. We do not open accounts or make eligibility determinations.
Who Can Have a Trump Account?
Trump Accounts are a new type of individual retirement account created for eligible children, with special rules that apply before the calendar year in which the child turns 18. Based on current official guidance, an account may generally be established for a child who:
- Has a valid Social Security number
- Has not turned 18 before the end of the calendar year in which the election is made
- Has a parent or eligible guardian who completes the official election on the child’s behalf
Because this program is new and administrative guidance continues to be issued, always confirm the current requirements with the IRS before acting.
Who Qualifies for the $1,000 Federal Pilot Contribution?
The $1,000 government contribution is a separate, narrower pilot program with its own requirements. Based on current official guidance, a qualifying child generally must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Have been born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028
- Meet any additional requirements set for the pilot program
Important: A child may be eligible for a Trump Account without necessarily qualifying for the $1,000 pilot contribution. Do not assume the two go together.
Quick Eligibility Comparison
| Requirement | Trump Account | $1,000 Pilot Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 18 in the election year | Under 18 in the election year |
| Social Security number | Required | Required |
| U.S. citizenship | Not the deciding factor | Required |
| Birth-year window | No specific window | Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2028 |
| Government contribution | Not automatic | One-time, up to $1,000 |
Simple Examples
These are simplified illustrations only, not eligibility determinations.
- Child born March 2026, U.S. citizen, has an SSN — may be eligible for both an account and the $1,000 pilot contribution.
- Child born 2019, U.S. citizen, has an SSN — may be eligible for an account, but falls outside the pilot birth-year window.
- Child born 2027 without an SSN yet — an SSN would generally need to be obtained before the election can be completed.
- Child turning 18 this calendar year — likely outside the age window for a new election.
How to Get Started
- Review both sets of eligibility requirements above.
- Gather the information you are likely to need (see next section).
- Sign in to the appropriate official IRS account — ID.me verification is currently part of the process.
- Complete the official Trump Account election.
- Check your election status through official government channels.
This website does not open accounts, process applications, or submit anything to the government on your behalf.
What Information May Be Needed?
Current IRS guidance indicates parents may need the following when completing the official election:
- ID.me identity verification access
- The child’s Social Security number
- The child’s date of birth
- The child’s address
We never ask for any of this on USATrumpAccounts.com. This information is entered only on official government systems. Be cautious of any non-government site that asks you to submit a child’s Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every child get a Trump Account?
Most children under 18 with a valid Social Security number can have one, but a parent or guardian must complete the official election — it does not happen automatically.
Does every child receive $1,000?
No. The $1,000 pilot contribution has separate requirements, including U.S. citizenship and a birth date between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028.
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. A valid Social Security number is required for both the account and the pilot contribution under current guidance.
Does my child need to be a U.S. citizen?
Citizenship is specifically required for the $1,000 pilot contribution. Confirm current account-level requirements with the IRS.
Can a teenager have a Trump Account?
Yes, as long as the child has not turned 18 before the end of the calendar year in which the election is made.
Can grandparents open or contribute to a Trump Account?
The election is generally made by a parent or eligible guardian. Who may contribute is covered on our Contribution Limits page.
What if my child was born before 2025?
An account may still be possible, but the child would fall outside the birth-year window for the $1,000 pilot contribution.
How do I officially elect to establish an account?
Through the official IRS process. See our How To Open An Account guide, then complete the election on the government website.
Official Sources
Last reviewed: September 28, 2026
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USATrumpAccounts.com is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Government, the IRS, the Department of the Treasury, or TrumpAccounts.gov. Eligibility determinations are made under official program rules. Verify current requirements through official government sources. This is educational information, not personalized financial or tax advice.