Who is Eligible?
Children who are 3 to 5 years old are eligible for Head Start services. Pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years of age are eligible for Early Head Start services. Children and families who are homeless, in foster care, or receive TANF or SSI are also eligible for services. Head Start program staff determine eligibility. Some families may qualify for services if they are determined to be at or below the federal poverty level (below). Some grantees enroll a percentage of children from families with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines as well.
The 2024 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 17, 2024.
| 2024 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | |
| Persons in Family/Household | Poverty Guideline |
| 1 | $15,060 |
| 2 | 20,440 |
| 3 | 25,820 |
| 4 | 31,200 |
| 5 | 36,580 |
| 6 | 41,960 |
| 7 | 47,340 |
| 8 | 52,720 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,380 for each additional person. | |
How Do I Apply for Head Start and Early Head Start?
Contact the Head Start or Early Head Start program serving your community. They will explain the paperwork you should bring to apply. Your local program will provide the required forms and answer your questions.
Use this Find Your Head Start flyer (in English and Spanish) to find your Head Start or Early Head Start Agency.