Am I Eligible?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
Who is eligible for Head Start?
To be eligible for the Head Start program:
- you must live in the community in which you apply
- your child must be between 3 and 5 years of age
- you must meet the income eligibility requirements
Who is eligible for Early Head Start?
To be eligible for the Early Head Start program:
- you must live in the community in which you apply
- you must be pregnant or have a child no older than 3 years of age
- you must meet the income eligibility requirements
What are the income eligibility requirements?
Head Start and Early Head Start are for low-income families who:
- are receiving TANFor SSI benefits
- whose income before taxes is below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
- children in foster care are eligible for Head Start regardless of family's income
Head Start/Early Head Start Income Limits
(100% FPG)
Effective for 2009
| Size of family |
Annual Income |
| 1 |
$10,830 |
| 2 |
$14,570 |
| 3 |
$18,310 |
| 4 |
$22,050 |
| 5 |
$25,790 |
| 6 |
$29,530 |
| 7 |
$33,270 |
| 8 |
$37,010 |
| each additional |
+$3,740 |
Source: Federal Register, Vol. 74, No. 14, January 23, 2009, pp. 4199-4201
What income is counted for eligibility?
Income that is counted includes:
- wages and salaries before deductions (gross income)
- income from self-employment (after expenses)
- Social Security and railroad retirement
- unemployment compensation / workers' compensation / strike benefits
- TANF, SSI, or GA money payments
- most veterans benefits
- training stipends
- alimony and child support payments
- regular support from someone not living with you
- pensions
- scholarships, fellowships, assistantships and grants
- regular insurance or annuity payments
- interest and dividends
- rental and royalty income (minus expenses)
- net gambling or lottery winnings
Income that is not counted includes:
- capital gains
- tax refunds, gifts, or lump-sum inheritances
- one-time payments from insurance
- noncash benefits such as food stamps or housing assistance
- cash from sale of property, car or a house
- compensation for injury
Can my child attend Head Start / Early Head Start if we are over the income limits?
Yes. Federal regulations allow up to 10% of the Head Start / Early Head Start slots to families over the income limit. If you do not meet the requirements and you want your child to go to Head Start, ask if there are any "over income" spaces available.
If my child is disabled, can he or she go to Head Start or Early Head Start?
Yes. Head Start and Early Head Start programs are designed to meet the needs of all children, with or without disabilities. In fact, by law, ten percent of the slots must be set aside for children with special needs.
If I am not a citizen, can my child go to Head Start or Early Head Start?
You and your child do not have to be citizens to take part in Head Start / Early Head Start. Your immigration status is not a factor in deciding eligibility. Undocumented noncitizens who meet the eligibility requirements can send their children to these programs.
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