Does My Child Qualify for Head Start?
2026 income limits, categorical eligibility, and how to apply in all 50 states
Head Start is free federal preschool for children ages 3 to 5. A child is income-eligible when family income is at or below the poverty line (100% FPL), or automatically if the family gets TANF or SSI, the child is in foster care, or the family is homeless. Early Head Start covers ages 0 to 3. Programs may fill up to 35% of slots with families between 100% and 130% FPL after the income-eligible families are served. The guideline is the same in all 48 continental states. Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines.
Rule: 45 CFR 1302.12, eCFR as of August 1, 2026.
Quick Eligibility Check
Enter your details to see if your family meets the 2026 poverty guideline (the Head Start income rule)
Income = gross annual household income before taxes, compared with 100% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Foster care, TANF, SSI, and homelessness qualify regardless of income. Families up to 130% FPL may get a limited-tier slot.
You May Qualify Without Meeting the Income Limit
Children automatically qualify for Head Start regardless of income if any of these apply:
- ✓ Child is in foster care
- ✓ Family receives TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- ✓ Child or parent receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- ✓ Family is experiencing homelessness (as defined by McKinney-Vento Act)
Two capped exceptions, both at the program's discretion (45 CFR 1302.12): up to 35% of slots for families between 100% and 130% FPL, filled after income-eligible families; and up to 10% of enrollment for over-income children.
2026 Head Start Income Limits (100% FPL)
Continental US applies to 48 states + DC. Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines. The limited 100–130% tier for a family of 4 tops out at $42,900 (continental).
| Household size | Continental US | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 people | $15,960/yr | $19,950/yr | $18,360/yr |
| 2 people | $21,640/yr | $27,050/yr | $24,890/yr |
| 3 people | $27,320/yr | $34,150/yr | $31,420/yr |
| 4 people (reference) | $33,000/yr | $41,250/yr | $37,950/yr |
| 5 people | $38,680/yr | $48,350/yr | $44,480/yr |
| 6 people | $44,360/yr | $55,450/yr | $51,010/yr |
| 7 people | $50,040/yr | $62,550/yr | $57,540/yr |
| 8+ people | $55,720/yr | $69,650/yr | $64,070/yr |
Sources: 45 CFR 1302.12 for the rule; 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines (published January 15, 2026) for the dollar figures. Income = gross annual income before taxes.
Head Start Eligibility — All 50 States
Click any state for local program links, income tables, and how to apply
How Head Start Works
Who it serves
Head Start serves 3- to 5-year-olds. Early Head Start serves children from birth through age 2 and pregnant women. Both are free for qualifying families.
What it includes
Head Start isn't just preschool. Programs provide full educational programming, meals, health screenings (vision, hearing, dental), and family support services. Many programs are full-day and year-round.
Slots are limited
About 800,000 children are enrolled nationally, but 15 to 20 million are income-eligible. Most programs have waitlists. Apply before your child turns 3 for Early Head Start, before they turn 4 for Head Start.
Programs are run locally
The federal government funds grantees — community action agencies, school districts, nonprofits, and tribes. Each grantee sets its own hours and enrollment process within federal guidelines. Use the ACF locator to find programs in your county.