If you’re a parent or student in California, there might be up to $1,500 just sitting in your kid’s name, and all you need to claim it is a simple 10-digit number.
This isn’t a scam or sweepstakes. It’s part of CalKIDS, a state-run program designed to boost college savings, and it’s dishing out serious cash with no effort required beyond online registration.
This school year, all public school districts in California are now required to inform families about CalKIDS. Thanks to a recent budget provision, the program is getting more attention, and hopefully, more claims. The idea is simple: the state creates a college savings account for eligible students and deposits between $500 and $1,500 automatically. The only catch? Families must claim the funds by registering online using the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), which is a 10-digit code found on transcripts.
Even though the cash lands automatically in the student’s name, it’s just sitting there unclaimed unless someone takes action. As of March, only 12% of student accounts had been claimed, meaning millions of dollars are still untouched. For newborns, it’s even lower, only about 9% of accounts have been accessed.
CalKIDS kicked off in 2020 with the mission to help underprivileged communities get closer to college or career training. Low-income public school students, English learners, foster youth, and students classified as homeless are eligible to receive the highest payouts.
Here’s how it works: If your child was in grades 1–12 during the 2021–22 school year, started first grade in 2022–23, or is entering first grade in the current or future school years, they may automatically qualify for $500. If the student is also a foster youth, that’s an additional $500. And if they’re classified as homeless? Add another $500. That’s how the max $1,500 stacks up, without families spending a dime upfront.
Babies born in California also get a boost. Every newborn, regardless of the family’s income, gets a starting deposit of $100. Previously, kids born between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, were only given $25, but the amount was bumped to $100 shortly after. That means over a million babies are eligible right now. New parents, check those mailers or transcripts and register using that SSID.
Program director Cassandra DiBenedetto told EdSource, “If we all work together – the community-based organizations, the schools, everybody – we can ensure that every child in California knows that college and career training are within reach.” Her message? The money’s there, but families have to show up and claim it.
And speaking of money, a new TaxSlayer survey shows Americans are getting wise with their refunds, too. Most people are spending their refunds on rent, groceries, and paying down credit card debt. The average refund this year hit $2,300, way more than the $1,700 predicted just months ago. Nearly two-thirds of Americans already spent or are planning to spend their refunds, with 80% of those using it for essentials.
More interesting? Over 60% said their refund plays a big role in their 2025 budget, up from 52% the year before. People who got more this year credited it to working more hours, adjusting deductions, or getting a raise. Those who got less blamed job losses, higher tax brackets, or aging-out dependents.
Whether it’s a state-funded college savings account or a fatter-than-expected refund check, 2025 is shaping up to be a good year for Americans ready to claim what’s theirs. If you’re in California and your kid qualifies, don’t let that $1,500 sit idle. Grab that SSID and get what’s already yours.
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