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 Head Start:
- you must live in the community where you apply
- your child must be between 3 and 5 years of age
- you must meet the income limits
Who is eligible for Early Head Start?
To be eligible for Early Head Start:
- you must live in the community where you apply
- you must be pregnant or have a child no older than 3 years of age
- you must meet the income limits
What are the income limits?
These families qualify for Head Start and Early Head Start:
Head Start/Early Head Start
2009 Family Income Guidelines: 100% FPG
Effective February 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 |
Children in foster care are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start regardless of family income.
Note: Federal regulations allow up to 10% of the Head Start / Early Head Start slots to go to "over income" families. If you do not meet the income requirements and you want your child to go to Head Start, ask if there are any "over income" spaces available.
What income is counted?
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
- TAFDC, SSI, or EA 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)
- periodic receipts from estates or trusts
- 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.
Can children with special needs go to Head Start or Early Head Start?
Children with special needs are welcome at Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The programs are set up to meet the needs of all children. By law, ten percent of the slots must be set aside for children with special needs.
Can noncitizens go to Head Start or Early Head Start?
Noncitizens are welcome at Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Immigration status does not matter. Undocumented noncitizens who meet the eligibility requirements can send their children to Head Start and Early Head Start.
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