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

The Head Start income limit in New York 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 York 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 York?

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 York. 150 grantees operate across the state.

130% FPL Income Limit

Head Start Eligibility in New York

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

Use the Head Start Center Locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator to find programs in your New York county. New York serves the most Head Start children of any state except California. NYC has dozens of grantees — apply through the NYC Early Childhood Research Center. Upstate programs serve rural and mid-size cities. Universal pre-K in NYC covers all 4-year-olds regardless of income. 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 York is $40,600/year (130% of the federal poverty level). New York 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

~150

programs

Does Your Family Qualify?

Enter your household size and income to check against New York'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 York — 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 York 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 York

New York serves the most Head Start children of any state except California. NYC has dozens of grantees — apply through the NYC Early Childhood Research Center. Upstate programs serve rural and mid-size cities. Universal pre-K in NYC covers all 4-year-olds regardless of income.

Find programs in your county

The ACF Head Start Center Locator shows every grantee in New York. 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 York 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 York →