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Life change guide

My kids are going back to school

Free programs can help with school meals, childcare, and early education. Learn what you may qualify for.

Where to start

Going back to school is a big transition. There are programs that can help with the costs—whether you need help paying for meals, childcare while you work, or early education for younger children.

These programs are free to apply for, and only the agency decides if you qualify. Some have income limits, and eligibility varies by state.

Here's what to do in order:

Do these first

  1. 1

    Check if your kids qualify for free school meals

    Free and reduced-price school meals during the school year are handled through your child's school or school district. Ask the school about their application process. This is usually the easiest program to apply for.

    About School Meals
  2. 2

    Apply for childcare assistance if you need help paying for care

    Child Care Assistance (CCDF) helps low-income families pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training. Each state runs its own program with different income limits. Children generally must be under age 13. You may have to pay a copayment and can usually choose your provider.

    About Child Care Aid
  3. 3

    Look into Head Start for younger children

    Head Start and Early Head Start provide early education and development services. These programs can help prepare young children for school. Contact your local program to learn about enrollment. Eligibility and services vary by location.

    About Head Start
  4. 4

    Check for Summer EBT benefits

    If your child qualifies for free school meals during the school year, they may also qualify for Summer EBT. This program provides $120 in grocery benefits per child when school is out. Summer EBT may go by a different name in your state, such as SUN Bucks.

    About School Meals

Programs that can help

Child Care AidHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesChild care assistance helps families with low income pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.Head StartHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesHead Start and Early Head Start offer free early learning, health and family support services to young children from families with low income.School MealsUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceFree and reduced-price school meals help children eat well at school, and Summer EBT helps families buy food for children in the summer.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

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