What Are the Income Guidelines for Head Start?
Head Start and Early Head Start programs establish eligibility primarily based on a family's gross annual income in relation to the federal poverty guidelines. The figures provided below are the 2024 income guidelines used to determine eligibility for these vital early childhood education and development services.
2024 Income Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start, a family's income must typically fall at or below the 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. Some programs may also consider families with incomes up to 130% of the poverty line under specific circumstances.
The following table outlines the 2024 annual income thresholds for various family sizes:
| Family Size | 100% Annual Income | 130% Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | $41,960 | $54,548 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $61,542 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $68,538 |
For Larger Families
For family units consisting of more than 8 members, an additional amount is added for each extra person to calculate the income guideline. Specifically:
- For the 100% Annual Income guideline, add $5,380 for each additional family member beyond eight.
- For the 130% Annual Income guideline, add $6,994 for each additional family member beyond eight.
These guidelines help ensure that Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve children and families who can benefit most from comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family services.
