afterfoster.org

Your guide to support
during and after foster care

Empowering futures beyond foster care

Federal resources for youth aging out of foster care — housing, health coverage, education money, and more. Free, in plain language, organized by what you need right now.

Quick eligibility check

What you can get depends on when you were in care

You were a ward of the court or in foster care at any point age 13 or older (even briefly, even if later adopted)
FAFSA independent status — you never need to report parent income on financial aid forms.
Go to Education →
You were in foster care after age 14 (even for a short time)
Education & Training Vouchers (ETV) — up to $5,000/year for college or training, until age 26.
Go to Education →
You were in foster care between ages 16 and 22
Transitional Living Program (TLP) — up to 21 months of housing + life-skills support.
Go to Housing →
You were enrolled in Medicaid while in foster care on or after your 18th birthday
Free health coverage to age 26 — no premiums, no co-pays in most states.
Go to Health →
You aged out at 18 or will age out within 180 days, ages 18–24
FYI housing voucher — HUD voucher with a much shorter waitlist than Section 8.
Go to Housing →
You aged out at 18 or older
Chafee services through age 23 — housing, education, employment, and life-skills support.
Go to Education →
You are currently in extended foster care (ages 18–21)
Stacking is possible — ETV + Chafee + SNAP + housing assistance can all run concurrently. Talk to your IL coordinator now.

Even a brief time in care can unlock significant benefits. If you're unsure whether you qualify for something, contact your state's Independent Living program and ask — they are required to tell you.

Your roadmap

What happens at each age

Federal support for former foster youth is tied to specific age windows — many programs expire if you don't act. Know the deadlines before they pass.