What is the income limit for Head Start in New Jersey?

The Head Start income limit in New Jersey is $40,600/year for a family of 4 (130% of the federal poverty level, 2026). For a family of 3: $33,600/year. For a family of 5: $47,600/year. Income is calculated as gross annual household income before taxes.

Does my child qualify for Head Start in New Jersey if we're over the income limit?

Yes — up to 10% of Head Start enrollment can go to families above 130% FPL. Also, children automatically qualify regardless of income if they receive TANF, SSI, or are in foster care, or if the family is experiencing homelessness. Ask your local Head Start program about these categorical eligibility paths.

What ages does Head Start serve in New Jersey?

Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 (preschool). Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age 3. Both programs are free for income-eligible families in New Jersey. 45 grantees operate across the state.

130% FPL Income Limit

Head Start Eligibility in New Jersey

Q: How do I apply for Head Start in New Jersey?

Use the Head Start Center Locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator to find programs in your New Jersey county. New Jersey has Abbott District preschool (free full-day pre-K in 31 high-poverty districts) alongside Head Start. Families in Abbott districts get pre-K regardless of income. Head Start fills gaps in non-Abbott districts for income-qualifying families. Applications are accepted year-round, but many programs have waitlists — apply as early as possible.

2026 income limits, categorical eligibility, and how to apply

The Head Start income limit for a family of 4 in New Jersey is $40,600/year (130% of the federal poverty level). New Jersey uses the same FPL guidelines as all other continental states.

Ages served

3–5 yrs

Head Start

Early Head Start

0–3 yrs

+ pregnant women

Income limit (family 4)

$40,600/yr

130% FPL

Grantees in state

~45

programs

Does Your Family Qualify?

Enter your household size and income to check against New Jersey's 2026 Head Start limit

Household size

Annual household income ($)

Gross income before taxes. Categorical eligibility (foster care, TANF, SSI, homelessness) qualifies automatically regardless of income.

Head Start Income Limits in New Jersey — By Household Size

Same threshold as all other continental states. 130% of 2026 FPL.

Household size	Annual income limit	Monthly income limit
1 people	$19,600/year	$1,630/month
2 people	$26,600/year	$2,220/month
3 people	$33,600/year	$2,800/month
4 people (reference)	$40,600/year	$3,380/month
5 people	$47,600/year	$3,970/month
6 people	$54,500/year	$4,540/month
7 people	$61,500/year	$5,130/month
8+ people	$68,500/year	$5,710/month

Source: 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines at 130% FPL. For households larger than 8: add approximately $7,000/year per additional person.

Categorical Eligibility — Qualifies Without Income Check

Children in New Jersey automatically qualify for Head Start if any of these apply, regardless of family income:

Foster care

Children in foster care placement qualify automatically.

TANF recipients

Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

SSI recipients

Child or parent receiving Supplemental Security Income.

Experiencing homelessness

Families without stable housing under McKinney-Vento.

Programs can also enroll up to 10% of slots for families above the income limit at grantee discretion — ask your local program.

How to Apply for Head Start in New Jersey

New Jersey has Abbott District preschool (free full-day pre-K in 31 high-poverty districts) alongside Head Start. Families in Abbott districts get pre-K regardless of income. Head Start fills gaps in non-Abbott districts for income-qualifying families.

Find programs in your county

The ACF Head Start Center Locator shows every grantee in New Jersey. Filter by zip code or county to find your nearest program.

Gather your documents

Most programs ask for: child's birth certificate, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return), proof of address, immunization records, and health insurance information.

Apply early

Many New Jersey programs have waitlists. Apply as early as possible — before age 2 for Early Head Start, before age 3 for Head Start.

Find Head Start Programs in New Jersey →