The Office of Head Start is providing a new opportunity for eligibility and simplifying a list of income sources!
Quality Improvement
Policy Goal:
- Better identify families living in poverty who are eligible for Head Start
Clearly Define Income:
- Provide a concrete list of income sources considered for eligibility.
Account for High Cost of Living:
- Excessive housing costs can be deducted from a family’s income when determining eligibility
Adjusting for Excessive Housing Costs
Adjusting for Excessive Housing Costs
View Infographic Text Description
Quality Improvement
Refined Definition of Income
- Income means gross income and only includes wages, business income, unemployment compensation, pension or annuity payments, gifts that exceed the threshold for taxable income, and
- Military income (excluding special pay for a member subject to hostile fire or imminent danger under 37 U.S.C. 310 or any basic allowance for housing under 37 U.S.C. 403 including housing acquired under the alternative authority under 10 U.S.C.169 or any related provision of law).
- Gross income only includes sources of income provided in this definition; it does not include refundable tax credits nor any forms of public assistance.
HHS Poverty Guidelines 2025
Here is what our 2025 federal guidelines are, if you do not fall within them to be eligible, here is another option to deduct housing costs above a 30% housing threshold.
| Family Size | 100% | 130% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $20,345 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $27,495 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $34,645 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $41,795 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $48,945 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $56,095 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $63,245 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $70,395 |
| Each Additional Member | $5,500 | $7,150 |
*Effective January 2025 – Released by the Dept of Health & Human Services
To see if you meet the eligibility requirements please complete the following steps:
Step 1:
Fill out the online calculator below and note if you are eligible for excessive housing adjustments.
Step 2:
Click the link below, complete the form and upload the Housing Cost Fillable Form along with each of the Identified utility and rent/mortgage bill/statements and proof of income(s).
