The income limits for Head Start and Early Head Start programs vary based on family size and are generally determined by a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For the 2024 program year, the guidelines consider both 100% and 130% of the FPL for eligibility.
Head Start and Early Head Start 2024 Gross Income Guidelines
Eligibility for Head Start and Early Head Start programs primarily focuses on families whose gross income is at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. However, some programs may have provisions to serve a limited number of families with incomes up to 130% of the FPL under specific circumstances.
The following table details the annual gross income guidelines for certain family sizes for the 2024 program year:
2024 Annual Income Guidelines by Family Size
| Size of Family | Annual Income 100% (FPL) | Annual Income 130% (FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | $41,960 | $54,548 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $61,542 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $68,538 |
Additional Guidelines for Larger Families
For family units with more than 8 members, the income limits increase for each additional person:
- For each additional member beyond 8, add between $5,380 (for 100% FPL) and $6,994 (for 130% FPL) to the respective annual income limit.
These guidelines are used to determine a family's financial eligibility for enrollment in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
