"Strong Families = Strong Communities"

EHS Eligibility and Income Information:

Eligible participants are required to minimally:

• Reside in Jefferson, Leon or Madison counties
• Have a child no older than 3 years of age or be in the first 4 months of pregnancy
• Meet the income eligibility requirements

Federal regulations require that EHS programs verify the child's age, family income, and where applicable, special needs (Part C verification).  Income eligibility is based on the federal poverty guidelines.

Age Verification:  If applying for the child care program option, you must provide proof of your child's date of birth with one of the following documents: birth certificate, medical card, or hospital documentation.

Disability Verification:  If the applicant's child is receiving Early Childhood Special Education services for a diagnosed disability, please provide a copy of the child's Eligibility Determination letter.

Income Verification:  If your family is currently receiving TANF (Cash) benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or you are a foster parent of the applicant child, you must attach documentation.  All other income must be documented.   Income is the total gross income of all family members, NOT HOUSEHOLD, for either the past twelve months or for the previouis calendar year, whichever more accurately reflects your family's current situation. 

Income counted includes the following:

• wages and salaries before deducations (gross income)
• income from self-employment (after expenses)
• social security
• unemployment compensation/workers compensation
• TANF or SSI money payments
• regular support from someone not living in the home
• pensions
• scholarships and grants
• regular insurance or annuity payments
• interest and dividends
• rental income
• net gambling or lottery winnings

Income not counted includes:

• capital gains
• tax refunds, gifts or lump-sum inheritances
• one-time payments from insurance
• non-cash benefits such as food stamps or housing assistance

Children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are eligible for EHS services regardless of income.  Children in foster care are eligible regardless of income.  Ten percent of enrollments are offered to children with disabilities.  Children who come from families with slightly higher income may be able to participate when space is available.

Income Limits:

Early Head Start is for low-income families who:

• are receiving TANF benfeits
• are receiving SSI benefits, or
• whose income before taxes is not more than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines

The 2011-2012 school year income eligibility guidelines are:

2011-12 Early Head Start Income Limits

100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

Families of children not eligible for Early Head Start may seek other early learning programs through the Child Care Resource & Referral Services (CCR&R) offered by the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region at 850-385-0504.

Attachments:

Application for Early Head Start Services.doc	[ ]	171 Kb
EHS Verification of Income Form.pdf	[Early Head Start Eligibility Verification]	46 Kb
Items Needed for EHS Documentation.doc	[ ]	94 Kb