Frequently Asked Questions
The HOPE Program is a California initiative that sets aside money for youth impacted by the COVID-related death of a parent, legal guardian, or Indian custodian OR who have received foster care (18 months or more, non-consecutive) services with family reunification services terminated.
There are three steps:
- 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 start with an initial deposit of $3,000.
Yes. Enrolling earlier gives your money more time to grow, which can increase the total amount in your account over time.
You can start using HOPE funds at age 18. The money can stay invested from age 18-27. Funds not used by age 27 will return to the HOPE Program.
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
Youth placed in California or tribal foster care for over 18 months and no longer receiving family reunification services, or youth placed in foster care after age 16 with reunification services terminated. Also, any youth whose parent, legal guardian, or Indian custodian died of COVID-19 during the federally declared public health emergency (January 31, 2020 to May 11, 2023) and met Medi-Cal for children limit eligibility at the time.
- Foster Youth Age Eligibility
If you were under 18 as of September 27, 2022 you may be eligible. - Covid Youth Age Eligibility
If you were under 18 during the federally declared public health emergency (January 31, 2020 to May 11, 2023) you may be eligible.
Yes, if you are 18 or older. Additional documentation will be required to meet program guidelines.
HOPE includes eligible youth in Tribal communities with agreements with California Social Services. Email hopeforchildren@treasurer.ca.gov for help with Tribal youth eligibility.
The HOPE Program requires:
- 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 at the time of death are acceptable. - Attestation Letter
A letter stating under penalty of perjury, that the eligible youth’s parent, legal guardian, or Indian custodian passed due to Covid.
A notice will be provided to the eligible applicant or enrollment in the program 60 days after eligibility has been determined. For ongoing enrollment; the enrollee will notify once a year of enrollment in the HOPE program.
You must be 13 or older to complete the application yourself. If you are under 13, a parent, legal guardian, or Indian custodian can apply for you.
The letter must be signed by someone 18 or older. This can be your parent, legal guardian, or Indian custodian.
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. 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.