Quick answerIf you’re leaving or have left foster care, ask your caseworker now about extended foster care (available to age 21 in many states), Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) and Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers for ages 18–24, Chafee funds for rent and deposits, and transitional living programs. Your child welfare agency must help plan your transition and can refer you for vouchers.
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Plan early

Federal law requires child welfare agencies to develop a transition plan with you in the 90 days before you exit care, including housing. Ask your caseworker and court about housing options, and make sure you leave with:

  • Birth certificate, Social Security card, state ID
  • Medical records and Medicaid information (former foster youth can keep Medicaid until 26; for youth who aged out in 2023 or later, coverage applies in any state)
  • A copy of your credit report (agencies must help you check it)
  • Proof of foster care status (needed for FYI/FUP, Chafee, and financial aid)

Housing options

Option Ages How to access
Extended foster care / supervised independent living 18–21 in many states Caseworker and court
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers 18–24 Child welfare agency referral to housing authority
Family Unification Program (FUP) youth vouchers 18–24 Child welfare agency referral
Chafee room and board 18–21 (to 23 in some states) State independent living program
Transitional Living Programs 16–21 (up to 22) Runaway and homeless youth providers
Youth rapid rehousing and host homes Often 18–24 Coordinated entry (211)
College housing Students Campus housing, foster youth support programs, year-round housing options

FYI and FUP vouchers

  • Eligibility: at least 18 and not more than 24, left foster care at 16 or older (or will leave within 90 days), and homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • Duration: up to 36 months, with extensions up to 24 more months for youth who participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency program or meet education, work, or other requirements (exceptions apply).
  • How: your child welfare agency certifies eligibility and refers you to the housing authority. Many housing authorities request FYI vouchers when a referral comes in.
  • Rent: about 30% of adjusted income, like other vouchers.

See special-purpose vouchers.

Chafee and education and training vouchers

  • Chafee funds independent living services and can help with rent, deposits, and household costs.
  • Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) provide annual help (historically up to $5,000 per year) for college or training costs, which can support housing costs as part of cost of attendance. Ask your state ETV coordinator for the current amount and age limits.
  • Many colleges have foster youth support programs with year-round housing, priority registration, and emergency funds.

If you’re homeless now

  • Call 211 and ask for youth homeless services and coordinated entry.
  • Call the National Runaway Safeline at 800-786-2929.
  • If you’re in school, ask for the McKinney-Vento liaison. See homeless students’ rights.
  • Contact your former child welfare agency—many states allow youth to re-enter extended foster care before 21.

Building your first rental history

  • Ask your caseworker or a housing navigator to help with landlord outreach.
  • Use Chafee or program funds for deposits.
  • Get a co-signer or guarantor through programs that offer them.
  • Take a tenant education class; some landlords value the certificate.
  • Learn your renter rights and how to read a lease.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stay in foster care after 18?

Many states offer extended foster care to age 21 if you’re in school, working, in a job program, or unable to do those because of a medical condition. You may be able to live in a supervised independent living setting such as your own apartment. Ask your caseworker or court.

What are FYI vouchers?

Foster Youth to Independence vouchers are Housing Choice Vouchers for youth 18–24 who left foster care at 16 or older (or will leave within 90 days) and are homeless or at risk. They last up to 36 months, with possible extensions up to 24 more months if you meet education, work, or Family Self-Sufficiency requirements.

Can Chafee money pay my rent?

Yes. States can use Chafee funds for room and board—rent, deposits, utilities, and household startup costs—for young people ages 18 to 21 (up to 23 in states that extend foster care), within limits set by the state.

Do I have to put my parents’ information on the FAFSA?

No. If you were in foster care at any time after age 13, you’re considered an independent student for federal financial aid, which usually means more aid.

Sources and verification

Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.

  1. Foster Youth to Independence initiativeU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  2. John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to AdulthoodU.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  3. Transitional Living ProgramU.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  4. FAFSA dependency statusFederal Student Aid

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Published by Housing Assistance Info

Independent guidance based on the sources listed above. Read our sourcing, automated-tool, and correction policies.