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CHILDREN ASSISTANCE β€” DC

πŸ§’ Head Start Program in District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C. β€” 2026 Guide

Complete eligibility guide for District Of Columbia residents β€” income limits, how to apply, local offices & required documents

Free preschool programMax Benefit
$3,482/moIncome Limit (fam/4)
100% FPLFPL Threshold
1-866-763-6481Helpline
00000ZIP Code
DCState
πŸ“Š 2026 Income Limits β€” Head Start Program in District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
Household SizeMonthly LimitAnnual LimitFPL %
1 person$1,695/mo$20,345/yr100% FPL
2 people$2,291/mo$27,495/yr100% FPL
3 people$2,887/mo$34,645/yr100% FPL
4 people ← fam/4$3,482/mo$41,795/yr100% FPL
5 people$4,078/mo$48,945/yr100% FPL
6 people$4,674/mo$56,095/yr100% FPL
7 people$5,270/mo$63,245/yr100% FPL
8 people$5,866/mo$70,395/yr100% FPL

Source: HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines 2026. Effective January 2026 for Washington, D.C..

πŸ“ How to Apply β€” District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
1
Check Eligibility
Income at or below 100% FPL. Family of 4 in District Of Columbia: $3,482/month in 2026.
2
Gather Documents
Collect all documents listed below before starting your application.
3
Apply Online β€” Fastest
Visit eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator β€” available 24/7.
4
Apply by Phone β€” 1-866-763-6481
Call Mon–Fri business hours. Caseworker will guide you through application.
5
Apply In-Person β€” District Of Columbia Office
Walk-ins accepted. Bring all required documents listed below.
πŸ“‹ Documents Required β€” District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
  • Child birth certificate
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of residency
  • Immunization records
  • Completed application form (available online or at District Of Columbia office)
πŸ’‘ Missing a document? Call 1-866-763-6481 β€” alternative documentation often accepted for District Of Columbia residents.
πŸ“… Payment Schedule β€” Washington, D.C. 2026
⚠️ 2026: Payment dates in Washington, D.C. vary by case number. Call 1-866-763-6481 or check the official Washington, D.C. portal for your exact date.
🏒 Offices in District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
District Of Columbia Benefits Office β€” Main
πŸ“ District Of Columbia Government Center, Washington, D.C. 00000
πŸ“ž 1-866-763-6481 Β· ⏰ Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM
βœ“ Walk-ins🌐 OnlineπŸ“± Phone
211 Helpline β€” District Of Columbia
πŸ“ž Dial 211 β€” Free, 24/7
All local programs in District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
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πŸ™οΈ Cities in District Of Columbia β€” Head Start Program
❓ FAQs β€” Head Start Program in District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
Who qualifies for Head Start Program in District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C. 2026?
District Of Columbia residents with income at or below 100% FPL of the federal poverty level. Family of 4 limit: $3,482/month. Call 1-866-763-6481 to verify your eligibility.
How long does approval take in District Of Columbia?
Most applications in Washington, D.C. processed within 30 days. Emergency cases in District Of Columbia can be approved within 7 days. Call 1-866-763-6481 for expedited processing.
Can I apply online from District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Apply 24/7 at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator, call 1-866-763-6481, or visit District Of Columbia office in person.
What is the income limit for family of 4 in District Of Columbia 2026?
Family of 4 in District Of Columbia, Washington, D.C.: $3,482/month ($41,795/year) = 100% FPL of 2026 federal poverty level.
Are there District Of Columbia-specific programs beyond the federal program?
Yes. District Of Columbia and Washington, D.C. have supplemental local programs. Dial 211 from any phone in District Of Columbia to find all locally available programs.
URL: usagovbenefits.com/washington-dc/district-of-columbia/head-start/ Β· Verified: June 2026 Β· Sources: HHS ACF, HHS.gov, Benefits.gov, Washington, D.C. Portal Β· Official Apply Link β†—
πŸš€ Apply for Head Start Program
Apply Online β€” Official Site β†— πŸ“ž Call 1-866-763-6481 πŸ“‹ Full Application Guide

Official government site. Free to apply.

πŸ”” Washington, D.C. Benefit Alerts 2026
Free alerts when Head Start Program income limits or payment dates change in Washington, D.C..
πŸ“ Program Details
ProgramHead Start Program
CountyDistrict Of Columbia
StateWashington, D.C. (DC)
ZIP00000
Max BenefitFree preschool program
Phone1-866-763-6481
UpdatedJune 2026