Head Start Eligibility by State
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 from families below 130% of the poverty level. Early Head Start covers ages 0 to 3. The income threshold is the same in all 48 continental states. Alaska and Hawaii use higher limits.
Quick Eligibility Check
Enter your details to see if your family meets the 2026 Head Start income limit
Income = gross annual household income before taxes. Based on 2026 HHS poverty guidelines at 130% FPL. Foster care, TANF, SSI, and homelessness qualify automatically regardless of income.
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)
Programs can also enroll up to 10% of children above the income limit at grantee discretion.
2026 Head Start Income Limits (130% FPL)
Continental US applies to 48 states + DC. Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines.
| Household size | Continental US | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 people | $19,600/yr | $24,400/yr | $22,500/yr |
| 2 people | $26,600/yr | $33,300/yr | $30,600/yr |
| 3 people | $33,600/yr | $42,000/yr | $38,600/yr |
| 4 people (reference) | $40,600/yr | $50,700/yr | $46,700/yr |
| 5 people | $47,600/yr | $59,400/yr | $54,700/yr |
| 6 people | $54,500/yr | $68,300/yr | $62,800/yr |
| 7 people | $61,500/yr | $77,000/yr | $70,700/yr |
| 8+ people | $68,500/yr | $85,700/yr | $78,800/yr |
Source: HHS 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. 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.