Most of the programs on this page require action before you age out or shortly after. If your case is still open, talk to your caseworker now about Extended Foster Care, your transition plan, and Chafee funding. The earlier you start, the more options you have.
- Most states allow you to voluntarily stay in Extended Foster Care until age 21. Opting in keeps your benefits, housing assistance, and caseworker. Do not leave the system early without understanding what you are giving up.
- The Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV) provides up to $5,000 per year for education or vocational training for current and former foster youth up to age 26.
- Former foster youth qualify for Medicaid in most states until age 26 at no cost, regardless of income. This is one of the most valuable benefits available to you. Enroll if you are not already.
- For FAFSA purposes, foster youth are considered independent students at any age, which significantly increases financial aid eligibility.
- You should have received copies of your important documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, ID) before leaving care. If you did not, your caseworker or the state child welfare agency is required to help you get them.
What Aging Out Means
In the US, foster care traditionally ended at age 18. Under the federal Fostering Connections Act, all states now have the option to extend care to age 21. Most states have taken this option, though the specific name of the program and eligibility requirements vary by state.
When a young person "ages out," their foster care case closes and the legal and financial responsibilities the state had for them end. Without extended care, this can happen overnight: housing, financial support, health insurance, and caseworker support all stop at once.
If your case is approaching closure, your caseworker is required to create a written transition plan with you. If this has not happened, ask for it directly.
Extended Foster Care
Extended Foster Care (EFC) allows eligible youth to voluntarily remain in the foster care system past age 18, in most states until age 21. Staying in extended care typically means continued access to:
- Housing assistance or placement
- A monthly stipend or financial support
- Medicaid health coverage
- A caseworker
- Independent living services (job training, budgeting assistance, etc.)
Eligibility conditions vary by state but typically require being enrolled in school or a vocational program, working part-time, or meeting another defined participation requirement. The bar is usually manageable.
To find out what your state offers, search "[your state] extended foster care" or ask your caseworker. If your case has already closed, you may still be able to re-enter extended care in many states. Contact your state's child welfare agency directly.
Your Transition Checklist
Before your case closes, make sure you have the following. Your caseworker and the state are legally required to help you obtain all of these.
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- State-issued ID or driver's license
- Medicaid enrollment confirmation or health insurance information
- Your medical and dental records
- Your educational records (transcripts, diplomas, IEP documentation if applicable)
- Your credit report (check for any accounts opened in your name without your knowledge)
- Information about any savings accounts set up on your behalf (some states hold funds for youth in care)
- Your written transition plan
- Contact information for your caseworker or someone at the agency who can help after your case closes
If you aged out without receiving any of these, contact your state's child welfare agency. They are still obligated to help you obtain your records and documents.
Chafee Education and Training Vouchers (ETV)
The Chafee ETV program provides up to $5,000 per year to help current and former foster youth pay for college, vocational training, or other education and career-related expenses. Eligible expenses can include tuition, books, housing, transportation, and tools or equipment required for a program.
Key details:
- Available to current and former foster youth up to age 26
- You do not need to have been in care on your 18th birthday. Youth who left care through adoption or guardianship after age 16 may also qualify.
- Funding is administered by states, so application processes and availability vary
- Apply through your state's independent living or child welfare program. Search "[your state] Chafee ETV" or ask your caseworker.
- Apply as early as possible. Many states have limited funding that runs out before year-end.
FAFSA and Financial Aid
For federal financial aid purposes, foster youth are considered independent students at any age. This matters because independent students have higher aid eligibility and do not need to report parent income on the FAFSA.
You qualify as an independent student for FAFSA if you are or were in foster care at any point after age 13. You will check a box on the FAFSA indicating this status. No documentation is required at the time of filing, though your school's financial aid office may ask for confirmation later.
Many colleges have specific programs for foster youth that include additional grants, priority registration, year-round housing, and dedicated advisors. When researching schools, search "[school name] foster youth program" or ask the financial aid office directly.
Medicaid for Former Foster Youth
Under the Affordable Care Act, former foster youth qualify for Medicaid in most states until age 26, regardless of income. This is one of the most significant benefits available to you and covers medical, dental, and often mental health services at little or no cost.
To enroll or check your coverage status:
- Contact your state Medicaid agency directly. Search "[your state] Medicaid former foster youth".
- If you were enrolled in Medicaid as a foster youth, your coverage may continue automatically, but confirm this with your state
- If your case has already closed and you are not enrolled, you can apply at any point before age 26
- If you move to a different state, contact that state's Medicaid agency. Eligibility rules for former foster youth vary by state.
Do not go without health coverage when this benefit is available. Enroll as soon as possible if you are not already.
Housing After Foster Care
Housing is one of the most difficult challenges for youth who age out of care. Options include:
- Extended Foster Care placement: If you opt into extended care, housing may be provided through a foster family, group home, or supervised independent living arrangement. This varies by state and your specific situation.
- Transitional living programs: Many communities have transitional housing programs specifically for current and former foster youth, providing subsidized housing for 1–2 years with case management and life skills support. Search "transitional housing foster youth [your city]" or ask your caseworker or local child welfare agency.
- HUD housing assistance: Former foster youth may receive priority on Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlists in some jurisdictions. Contact your local Public Housing Authority and ask about youth or foster youth preferences.
- College housing: If you are enrolled in school, campus housing provides a stable place to live during the academic year. Many colleges offer year-round housing for foster youth specifically. Ask the housing office about this.
If you are facing housing instability, also see the Housing Instability guide for emergency shelter options and longer-term programs.
Support Networks
These national organizations specifically serve current and former foster youth and can connect you with local resources, peer support, and advocacy.
- National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI): Advocacy and leadership programs led by foster youth. nfyi.org
- Covenant House: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and services for young adults experiencing homelessness, with particular focus on youth who have been in foster care. covenanthouse.org
- Foster Care to Success: Scholarships, mentorship, and support specifically for current and former foster youth pursuing education. fc2success.org
- Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative: Policy advocacy and resources focused on improving outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care. aecf.org