Trump Accounts Eligibility: Who Qualifies for a Trump Account?
Not sure if your child qualifies for a Trump Account? Good news: the rules are simple. Most American kids are eligible. There are no income limits, no complicated formulas, and no waiting lists. Here is everything you need to know about Trump Account eligibility under IRC Section 530A.
Key Takeaways
- Any U.S. citizen child under 18 with a valid SSN qualifies
- NO income limits — any family can participate regardless of earnings
- Born 2025–2028: gets the $1,000 federal pilot deposit
- Born before 2025: can still open an account, but no deposit
- Born after 2028: can still open an account, but no deposit
- Dell pledge: children under 10 in qualifying ZIP codes get an extra $250
The Three Requirements
To open a Trump Account, a child must meet all three of these requirements:
- U.S. citizen. The child must be a citizen of the United States.
- Valid Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN does not qualify. The child needs a real SSN.
- Under 18 at the end of the election year. If your child turns 18 before December 31 of the year you file, they are not eligible.
That's it. Three requirements. No income test. No asset test. No complicated paperwork beyond IRS Form 4547.
Who Gets the $1,000 Federal Deposit?
The $1,000 federal pilot deposit is only for children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028. This is the government's seed money to jumpstart the account.
Children born outside that window can still open a Trump Account. They just will not receive the deposit. Families can still contribute up to $5,000/year, and employers can add up to $2,500/year per employee.
ℹ️ The deposit is automatic
You do not need to apply separately for the $1,000 deposit. When you file IRS Form 4547 for an eligible child born 2025–2028, the deposit is included automatically.
Age Eligibility Breakdown
Here is a quick look at what each age group gets:
| Age Group | $1,000 Deposit | Family Contributions | Dell Pledge | Years to Grow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborns (born 2025–2028) | Yes | Up to $5,000/yr | Yes (if qualifying ZIP) | 18 years |
| Kids under 10 (born before 2025) | No | Up to $5,000/yr | Yes (if qualifying ZIP) | 8–18 years |
| Kids 10–17 | No | Up to $5,000/yr | No | 1–8 years |
| 18+ (adults) | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not eligible | — |
Children Born Before 2025
If your child was born before 2025, they can still open a Trump Account. They will not receive the $1,000 federal deposit. But your family can contribute up to $5,000 per year into S&P 500 index funds that grow tax-deferred until the child turns 18.
Even without the deposit, years of tax-deferred growth in the stock market can add up to a meaningful head start. A 10-year-old who gets $5,000/year for 8 years could have a significant nest egg by the time the account converts to a traditional IRA.
Read more: Trump Accounts for children born before 2025 →
Special Situations
Some families have questions about unique circumstances. Here are the most common special cases:
- Adopted children: Adopted U.S. citizen children qualify under the same rules. Full guide for adoptive parents →
- Born abroad to U.S. citizens: If the child has U.S. citizenship and an SSN, they qualify — regardless of where they were born. Details for families abroad →
- Mixed-status families: The child must be a U.S. citizen with an SSN. The parent's citizenship status does not affect the child's eligibility. Guide for mixed-status families →
- Children with disabilities: There are no disability-related exclusions. All eligible children qualify equally. Disability considerations →
Who Does NOT Qualify?
Some people are not eligible for a Trump Account:
- Non-citizens without an SSN. The child must be a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security Number. ITINs do not count. Green card holders do not qualify.
- Adults (18+). Trump Accounts are only for children. Adults cannot open one for themselves. Can adults get a Trump Account? →
- Children who turn 18 before the election year ends. The child must be under 18 on December 31 of the year you file the election.
Income Limits? There Are None
✅ No income restrictions — period
Unlike Roth IRAs (which phase out above certain income levels), Trump Accounts have zero income limits. Whether your family earns $30,000 or $3,000,000, your child qualifies. This was a deliberate design choice in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) to make the program universal.
This makes Trump Accounts one of the most accessible tax-advantaged accounts available. No income test. No asset test. No phase-outs. If your child meets the three requirements above, they are in.
ℹ️ Check eligibility in 30 seconds
Not sure if your child qualifies? Use our free Eligibility Checker to find out instantly. Just answer a few quick questions.
Dell Pledge Eligibility
Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to fund an extra $250 per child under 10 who lives in a ZIP code where the median household income is below $150,000.
This is separate from — and in addition to — the $1,000 federal pilot deposit. A qualifying newborn could receive up to $1250 before the family contributes a single dollar.
Full breakdown of the Dell pledge →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Trump Account for a child born before 2025?
Is there an income limit for Trump Accounts?
Do adopted children qualify for a Trump Account?
What if my child turns 18 this year?
Can adults open a Trump Account for themselves?
Does my child need a Social Security Number?
Can non-citizen children qualify for a Trump Account?
What about children born to U.S. citizens abroad?
Run the Numbers
Use our free tools to check eligibility and project growth for your child:
Eligibility Checker
Does your child qualify? Find out in seconds
Growth Calculator
See how much the account could grow by age 18
Sources:
- IRS Notice 2025-68
- One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), IRC Section 530A
- trumpaccounts.gov
This is educational content, not tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.