Eligibility Reference Sheet

Eligibility guidelines ensure that families with the greatest need are identified and enrolled in Head Start services. There are several ways for programs to establish eligibility. You can use this Eligibility Reference Sheet to identify the types of documents that can be used to verify eligibility. These helpful charts also define key terms and provide links to related regulations.

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Areas of Eligibility

Eligibility	Verification Examples	Training Samples* (Remove all sensitive information)
Age	Verify according to program-developed and approved policy and procedure (Not required if a barrier to enrollment)	Birth certificate Immunization record Insurance letter/cards Passport Other**
Income	Tax forms, pay stubs, declarations, third-party consent, Social Security, child support, or alimony	Tax form 1040, W-2 Paycheck stubs/envelopes Unemployment Written statements from employer Documentation of no income Other
Public Assistance	Documentation from state, local, or tribal public assistance agency; or award letter or evidence of benefit	TANF documentation SSI benefits SNAP redacted letter, photocopy of card with eligibility information
Homeless	Written statement, school personnel, service agency, or declaration	Homelessness verification**
Foster Care	Court order, legal or government-issued documents, or proof of foster care payment	Foster care reimbursement Adoption benefits
SNAP	Award letter or evidence of benefit	Redacted letter, photocopy of SNAP card

*Use samples to train staff on what to request and how to identify appropriate documents for eligibility determination.

**Program-developed and approved policy and procedure.

Eligibility Terms and Definitions

Term	References
Age	Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(b)(1),(2),(3)
Family	Terms, 45 CFR §1305.2 — Family
Service Area	Terms, 45 CFR §1305.2 — Service Area Determining community strengths, needs, and resources. 45 CFR §1302.11(a)
Relevant Time Period Current Situation	Terms, 45 CFR §1305.2 — Relevant Time Period Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(i)(1)(iii)
Income No income Below poverty 100-130% of the poverty line Over income	Terms, 45 CFR §1305.2 — Income Consumer Income Census Report Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(c) Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(d) Poverty Guidelines (updated annually in January)
Homeless Children	Terms, 45 CFR §1305.2 — Homeless Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(i)(3) McKinney-Vento Act
Foster Care	Terms, 45 CFR §1305.2 — Foster Care Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(i)(4)
Public Assistance SSI TANF SNAP	Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(c) ACF-IM-HS-22-03 Head Start Categorical Eligibility for Families Eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Verify Lack of documentation Third-party verification	Terms, 45 CFR §1305.2 — Verify
Eligibility Duration	Determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, 45 CFR §1302.12(j)

Eligibility

, ERSEA

Resource Type: Publication

National Centers: Program Management and Fiscal Operations

Audience: Directors and Managers

Last Updated: June 28, 2023

ERSEA Insights

Eligibility Reference Sheet

Areas of Eligibility

Eligibility Terms and Definitions

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