CT Baby Bonds
Investing in Connecticut’s Future with CT Baby Bonds
In 2021, Connecticut became the first state in the nation to pass an initiative that invests directly in children born into poverty known as Baby Bonds.
CT Baby Bonds will set aside funds for each baby born in Connecticut whose birth was covered by HUSKY. Those funds will be held, managed and invested by the Office of the Treasurer.
When a participating child reaches adulthood (between the ages of 18-30), they will be eligible to claim funds to be used for:
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Buying a home in Connecticut
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Starting or investing in a Connecticut business
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Paying for higher education or job training
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Saving for retirement
CT Baby Bonds is designed to narrow the wealth gap and spur long-term economic growth for Connecticut’s families and economy.
Babies in every town and city across the state will qualify. An estimated 15,000 children each year are born into poverty.
To be eligible to file a claim, participants are also required to complete a financial literacy course, providing a foundation of financial knowledge to guide their decision making as young adults.
Implementation and formation of the trust is underway. A funding solution has been put in place that will fully fund the program and has allowed it to begin on time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is ‘CT Baby Bonds’ and why is it important for CT families and communities?
CT Baby Bonds is a long-term investment in Connecticut families and communities. It will address generational poverty by giving families opportunities to build wealth while encouraging young people to stay in state, and investing funds back into the community through homeownership, business creation and more.
How does CT Baby Bonds work?
For every baby whose birth is covered by HUSKY, up to $3,200 is deposited into the CT Baby Bond Trust and invested by the Office of the Treasurer. At age 18, an eligible beneficiary can make a claim for the funds to be used to start or invest in a Connecticut business, buy a home in Connecticut, pay for higher education, or save for retirement.
Who is eligible?
Babies born on or after July 1, 2023, whose birth was covered by HUSKY will be automatically allocated a pro-rata share of the CT Baby Bond Trust.
How do I enroll?
Enrollment is automatic based on the birth’s coverage by HUSKY.
What can the funds be used for?
The funds can be used to pay for higher education expenses, to put towards purchasing a home in Connecticut, to invest in a business in Connecticut, or to save for retirement.
How do I claim my funds?
Between the ages of 18 and 30, beneficiaries may submit a claim for an allowable expense if they are a Connecticut resident and have completed an approved financial literacy course. More information on the claims process will be shared in the future.
What if I move out of state?
Connecticut residency is required to make a claim. However, residency is only required at the time of the claim. For example, if an eligible beneficiary moves out of state at age 10 but is a Connecticut resident when they make their claim, they would be eligible.
What if I or my family is no longer covered by HUSKY?
HUSKY coverage is only required for the birth. There are no other additional coverage requirements for an eligible beneficiary or their family.
What is an approved financial literacy course?
Ways to fulfill the financial literacy requirement, including approved courses, will be shared by the Treasurer in the near future.
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For more information, contact Jennifer Putetti, Director of Legislative Affairs at Jennifer.putetti@ct.gov or (860) 702-3281