Extended Foster Care to Age 21
The Fostering Connections to Success Act allows states to extend foster care eligibility to age 21 for youth who are in school, employed, or have a medical condition. Most states have adopted this extension. Staying in extended foster care is almost always advantageous — the stipend continues, Medicaid continues, and the youth has time to build stability before complete independence. If you're approaching 18 in foster care, talk to your caseworker about extended care options in your state.
Medicaid Through Age 26
The ACA requires states to provide Medicaid to former foster youth through age 26 — regardless of income. This applies to anyone who was in foster care on their 18th birthday. Medicaid at age 26 is one of the most valuable and underutilized benefits for former foster youth. If you aged out of care and lost Medicaid, you can re-enroll at any time through age 26. Contact your state Medicaid agency and identify yourself as a former foster youth.
Education and Training Vouchers
Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) provide up to $5,000/year for post-secondary education or vocational training for eligible current and former foster youth. Eligible youth must be 14–26 and in or aging out of foster care. ETVs can cover tuition, books, room and board, and other education expenses at approved institutions. Apply through your state's Chafee program (independent living program) — contact your foster care caseworker or the Independent Living program in your state.
Chafee Independent Living Funds
The John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood funds services for current and former foster youth up to age 21 (23 in some states). Services vary by state but typically include: life skills training, educational assistance, employment assistance, financial literacy training, mentoring, and in some states housing assistance and case management. Contact your state's independent living program — usually housed within the state child welfare agency.
Housing After Foster Care
Housing is the greatest challenge for youth aging out of care. Options: HUD's Family Unification Program (FUP) reserves a portion of Section 8 vouchers for foster youth; some states have transitional housing specifically for former foster youth; Rapid Rehousing programs through your local Continuum of Care serve youth experiencing homelessness (see Rapid Rehousing Programs). Apply for Section 8 at your local PHA well before turning 18 — the wait is long and starting early gives you the best chance of having housing assistance when you need it.
Connecting to Benefits
Former foster youth qualify for priority consideration for SNAP (no work requirements until age 22 in many states), Medicaid (through 26), housing assistance (FUP vouchers), Pell Grants and other financial aid for education, and Chafee services. Taking the Benefits Match Quiz identifies all programs for which you qualify. Many states have foster youth liaisons at colleges and universities — contact your school's TRIO program or financial aid office.
Plan Before You Turn 18
The most important actions before aging out: apply for extended foster care in your state; apply for Section 8 at your local PHA; connect with your state's independent living program and apply for ETV; get a complete copy of your case records (you have a right to them); make sure you have all identity documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, state ID); enroll in Medicaid and know how to maintain it through 26; and connect with a mentor or supportive adult who can help you navigate the transition. Your caseworker and independent living coordinator should help with this transition planning — if they haven't started, ask them explicitly.