The "Trump Accounts" & Dell Donation: Do Your Kids Qualify for Free Money?

December 5, 2025

By Tiffani Renken
Retail Banking Manager

If you’ve heard the recent buzz about "Trump Accounts" for kids, or a massive donation from Michael Dell and are wondering if your family gets a cut, you aren't alone. The program, officially part of the "Invest America" initiative, is real — but there is a lot of confusion about who gets paid and when.

Here's a quick breakdown of whether you qualify and how to claim the funds.

1. The $1,000 "Trump Account" (Government Funded)

This is the core federal program passed recently.

• Who Qualifies: Any child born in the U.S. between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.
• The Benefit: The U.S. Treasury deposits $1,000 into an investment account for the child.
• The Catch: This is strictly for new babies born during this specific window. Older kids do not get this specific $1,000 government seed money.

2. The $250 Dell Bonus (Privately Funded)

Because the government money left out older kids, Michael and Susan Dell donated $6.25 billion to fill the gap.

• Who Qualifies: Children who are 10 years old or younger (born before 2025) who didn’t get the government money.
• The Restriction: Unlike the government cash, this is targeted. It is generally reserved for families living in zip codes with a median household income of $150,000 or less.
• The Benefit: A $250 seed deposit into their Invest America account.

When & How to Claim the Money

Here is the most important part: You cannot claim the money online just yet.

• Launch Date: The accounts are scheduled to officially open for sign-ups on July 4, 2026.
• Where to Go: The primary hub for this will be InvestAmerica.org.
• Action Steps: For now, you can sign up for email updates on the Invest America website so you are notified when the portal opens. There are also plans for a special IRS Form 4547 that you can use when filing for your 2025 tax return, but the digital portal in 2026 will be the main way to manage it.

Can I Open a "Trump Account" at My Bank?

As of today, you cannot walk into your local bank to open one. Unlike a standard 529 plan or a custodial savings account, these "Trump Accounts" are federally initiated, meaning the signup process must go through the government's InvestAmerica.org website or on your federal tax return (using IRS Form 4547). Although local banks like Security National Bank stand ready to help, for now the only way to claim the $1,000 or $250 seed money is to follow the official government process when it launches in 2026.

⚠️ Scam Alert: Watch Out for Fraudsters

Because the money isn't available until 2026, be very careful. If anyone calls, messages or emails you now asking for your child’s Social Security number or a "processing fee" to unlock these funds, it is a scam. Stick to the official Invest America website or IRS channels.

More Information to Come: 

More information will be available on Dec. 17, when the White House is planning a live stream announcement about the so-called "Trump Accounts". Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so we can keep you up-to-date!