Frequently Asked Questions
The HOPE for Children Trust Account Program is a California initiative that provides a $3,000 trust account to eligible youth, children who have been in the state’s foster care system for longer than 18 months or youth bereaved by COVID-19. Funds have no use restriction and can support a successful transition into adulthood.
There are three stages:
- Eligible Youth: Any youth who believes they can participate in the HOPE
Program. - Applicant: Any eligible youth who has submitted an application to
participate in the program. - Program Enrollee: Any applicant that has successfully been enrolled in the
HOPE Program.
HOPE accounts will be seeded with $3,000.
HOPE funds are available for withdrawal between ages 18-27. Withdrawals are issued as a single, full distribution and cannot be withdrawn incrementally.
HOPE funds are flexible. You can use them for things like:
- Housing or a security deposit
- Transportation (for example, buying a car)
- Work related items(tools, computer, etc.)
- Education or job training
- Health needs
- Starting a business
- Saving or investing for the future
To confirm eligibility, click below.
HOPE includes eligible youth in Tribal communities with agreements with California Social Services. Email [email protected] for help with Tribal youth eligibility.
For COVID-19 applicants only; please provide:
- Proof of age
Birth certificate, government-issued ID, passport, Permanent Resident Card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, school records, medical or immunization records, Tribal ID, court document stating date of birth, or foster/welfare records stating date of birth. - Proof of residency
Driver’s license, government-issued ID showing your address, voter registration card, vehicle registration or title, utility bill, lease agreement, school documents, bank statements, pay stubs, school enrollment/attendance records, or welfare benefits statements (e.g., SNAP, SSI, CalWORKs, unemployment) showing your California address during the eligibility period. - Proof of death
A death certificate listing COVID-19 as the cause of death is best. If not listed, medical records showing COVID-19 at the time of death are acceptable.
If you do not have access to the above documentation, please reach out to the HOPE program to get additional instructions at [email protected].
A notice will be provided to confirm enrollment.
Youth must be 13 years or older to self-apply. If youth are under 13, a legal adult must complete the application.
Decedent: A eligible youth’s parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian who died during the federally declared COVID-19 public health emergency from COVID-19 or a recognized long-term effect of COVID-19. Please be prepared to provide the requested information for this parent, Indian custodian, or legal guardian.
Yes. HOPE can connect you with free financial education and money-management support to help you make informed choices and build confidence.
No, HOPE funds are not considered assets while being held in trust.
No. HOPE funds are not counted as income when determining eligibility for certain State benefits, such as Medi-Cal, SNAP (CalFresh), and Cal Grants. HOPE is designed to work alongside other supports, not replace them. Contact your county social worker for guidance.