Getting Education and Training Vouchers as a Foster Youth

How education and training vouchers work

Education and training vouchers are funds that go directly to you — not to a school or program — so you can pay for education or job training after you leave foster care. The money is yours to use at the school or training provider you choose, whether that's a community college, trade school, online certification program, or four-year university. You decide where to spend it and what to study.

The federal government funds these vouchers through the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, but each state runs its own version with different names, dollar amounts, and rules about how long you can use the money. Some states call them education vouchers, some call them training vouchers, and some combine them into one program. The amount you receive and how you use it depends on which state you're in and which specific program you're accessing.

Most vouchers are available to youth who have left foster care or are about to, and many states extend them into your twenties. The key difference from other education money is that you control it — you're not filling out a separate application to a college financial aid office, and the voucher doesn't go to the school unless you direct it there.

Key Takeaways

• Education and training vouchers are federal funds that you control, meant to pay for school or job training after you leave foster care.
• Each state runs its own voucher program with different names, amounts, and age limits, so you need to contact your state's program directly.
• Your caseworker or independent living coordinator should know about your state's program and can tell you the current rules and how to request the voucher.
• You typically need to show you're enrolled in or accepted to a school or training program before the voucher money is released.
• Some states let you use vouchers for living expenses while you study, not just tuition, so ask what your state covers.

Finding your state's education and training voucher program

Start by contacting your caseworker or independent living coordinator — they know which program serves your state and can walk you through the steps. If you don't have a caseworker anymore (because you've already left care), contact your state's child welfare agency directly. You can find the main office number on your state's website by searching "[your state] child welfare agency" or "[your state] department of children and family services."

When you call or visit, ask specifically for the education and training voucher program or the Chafee program. Some states house it in the child welfare agency itself, some in the state education department, and some run it through independent living programs. The person who answers may transfer you or give you a different number — that's normal. Write down the name of the program and the direct contact information so you have it for future calls.

If you're having trouble finding the right office, the National Foster Care Youth and Alumni Policy Council maintains a state-by-state resource list that includes contact information for many state programs. You can also call 211 (a free information line) and ask for foster youth services in your state — they often know which programs are available and how to reach them.

What you'll need to request a voucher

Most states require proof that you're enrolled in or have been accepted to a school or training program before they release voucher money. You'll typically need to provide the school's name, your program or major, and proof of enrollment — this might be a copy of your acceptance letter, a course registration confirmation, or a letter from the school's registrar saying you're a current student.

Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready, and be prepared to show that you were in foster care or are currently in foster care. Some states ask for a copy of your case closure paperwork or a letter from your caseworker confirming your foster care history. If you don't have these documents, ask your former caseworker or your state agency to provide them — they should be able to send a verification letter quickly.

Different states ask for different paperwork, so when you contact the program, ask for a complete list of what they need before you gather anything. Some programs have an online form you fill out; others ask you to mail or email documents. A few still require you to apply in person, though this is becoming less common.

How much money you receive and what it covers

The amount varies significantly by state. Some states offer a few hundred dollars per year, while others offer several thousand. The money may cover tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board while you're in school, or a combination of these — again, it depends on your state's rules. A few states let you use voucher money for living expenses while you study, which can make a real difference if you're working part-time and struggling to pay rent.

When you contact your state's program, ask them to tell you the exact dollar amount available to you, what expenses it can cover, and whether there are any restrictions on how you spend it. Some programs require you to spend the money at an accredited school; others are more flexible. Some let you carry over unused money to the next year, and some require you to use it within a set timeframe.

If the voucher amount isn't enough to cover your full costs, ask whether you can combine it with other aid — federal student loans, grants, or your school's own scholarships. Most schools' financial aid offices can help you layer different funding sources together.

Age limits and how long you can use the voucher

Federal law allows states to offer vouchers to youth up to age 23, but not all states extend them that far. Some states stop at 21, some at 22, and some do go to 23. A few states have different rules depending on whether you're in a two-year or four-year program. You need to know your state's specific age limit so you can plan when to use the money.

Ask your state program whether the age limit is when you turn that age, or whether you can continue using the voucher as long as you were under the age limit when you started using it. This matters if you're close to the cutoff — some states let you finish a semester or school year even if you turn the age limit during that time.

If you're already past your state's age limit, ask whether there are any exceptions or whether you might be able to request an extension. Some states have discretion to extend vouchers in specific situations, and it's worth asking.

How the money gets to you or your school

Most states send the voucher money directly to the school or training program you're attending, and the school applies it to your bill. You won't see the money in your bank account — instead, your tuition bill will be reduced by the voucher amount. If there's money left over after tuition and fees are paid, some schools will refund it to you, and some will hold it as a credit for future semesters. Ask your school's financial aid office how they handle voucher refunds.

A smaller number of states send the money to you directly, and you're responsible for paying the school. If this is how your state works, make sure you understand the timeline — when the money will arrive, when your school's payment deadline is, and what happens if the voucher money doesn't arrive in time. Some states require you to submit receipts or proof of enrollment before they send the money, which can add a few weeks to the process.

Either way, the school or program needs to know you're using a voucher, so tell your financial aid office as soon as you know you'll be receiving one. Give them the name of your state's program and a contact number if you have it.

What to do if your state's program is closed or out of money

Some states run out of voucher funding partway through the year and reopen the program later. If you're told the program is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can get on a waiting list. Some states prioritize youth who are currently in foster care or who recently left care, so your position on the list may depend on your status.

While you're waiting, look into other funding sources: federal Pell Grants (which don't require repayment), state grants, your school's own scholarships, and work-study programs. Your school's financial aid office can tell you what you might be may be able to access for. Some independent living programs also have their own small scholarship funds for foster youth, so ask your caseworker or independent living coordinator whether your area has one.

If the program remains closed and you need to start school soon, ask whether you can defer your enrollment for a semester or year until the voucher program reopens. Many schools allow this without penalty, and it might be worth waiting if the voucher money would make a real difference in your ability to stay in school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a voucher if I'm still in foster care, or do I have to wait until I leave?

Most states let you use a voucher while you're still in foster care, especially if you're in a transition program or preparing to leave. Some states require you to be at least 16 or 17 before you can request one. Ask your caseworker or the voucher program directly — they can tell you whether you're old enough to request one now or whether you need to wait.

What if I want to change schools after I start using the voucher?

Most states let you transfer the voucher to a different school, but you usually need to notify the program before you switch. Ask your state program what paperwork they need — typically a new enrollment verification from your new school. Some states have restrictions on how many times you can transfer, so ask about that too.

Can I use the voucher for an online program or a certificate program, or does it have to be a degree?

Many states cover online programs and certificate programs, not just traditional degrees, but the rules vary. Some states require the program to be accredited, which most legitimate schools and training programs are. When you contact your state program, ask for a list of what types of programs they cover, or ask whether a specific program you're interested in is covered.

What happens to unused voucher money if I don't use it before the age limit?

In most states, unused money is forfeited — you lose it. A few states let you carry over a small amount to the next year. This is why it's important to know your state's age limit and plan ahead. If you're close to the cutoff and haven't used your voucher yet, contact the program to ask about your options.

Can I use the voucher if I'm going to school part-time?

Most states allow part-time enrollment, though some require you to be enrolled in at least a certain number of credits per semester (often 6 or 9 credits). Ask your state program what the minimum enrollment requirement is, if there is one. Part-time status might affect how much money you receive or how long you can use the voucher, so get the details before you enroll.