$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Idaho Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Idaho
SSDI in Idaho - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Idaho - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Idaho as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Idaho?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. Because Idaho expanded Medicaid, some SSDI recipients with low income may also qualify for Medicaid while they wait out the Medicare period.
How long does SSDI take in Idaho?
Idaho processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Service. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Idaho - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Idaho - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Idaho, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid and a small state cash supplement.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026, before any Idaho state supplement
SSA, 2026
IDAHO STATE SUPPLEMENT
Up to $53/mo
Idaho adds a state cash supplement on top of federal SSI for people living independently, through the AABD program
Idaho DHW / SSA AABD, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
- Idaho residents may also qualify for the state AABD cash supplement
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Idaho?
Yes. SSI approval makes you eligible for Idaho Medicaid, run by the Department of Health and Welfare. This is separate from your SSI cash payment.
Does Idaho add to my SSI payment?
Yes. Idaho pays a state supplement of up to $53 a month through its Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program for people living independently or in another person's home. A different, larger supplement applies for people in residential or personal care facilities.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Idaho
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Idaho
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
IDAHO PROPERTY TAX CUT
Up to $1,500
Idaho reduces property tax on the home of a veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled, with no income limit
Idaho State Tax Commission, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Idaho offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Idaho reduces property tax by up to $1,500 on the home of a veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled, with no income limit. You apply through your county assessor or the Idaho State Tax Commission between January 1 and April 15. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Idaho
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Idaho
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Idaho?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho runs SHIBA, the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program, through the Idaho Department of Insurance. It offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-800-247-4422, separate from any private plan.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Idaho
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Idaho
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
IDAHO EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 calendar days
Idaho schools must finish the evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent
Idaho SDE, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Idaho public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Idaho?
Idaho schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Idaho
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Idaho residents.
Medicaid in Idaho
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Idaho residents.
Idaho Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Idaho expanded Medicaid in 2020, so adults under 65 can qualify with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, even without children. It is run by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
312,000+
Idahoans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP as of late 2025 (approximate)
CMS via healthinsurance.org, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Idaho DHW, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults qualify with income up to 138% of the poverty level, about $1,836/mo for one person
Idaho DHW income limits, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults age 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, including those without children
- Children in households up to the CHIP income limit (about 190% FPL)
- Pregnant women, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients
How to apply
Apply online through idalink at idalink.idaho.gov, or call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at 1-877-456-1233. Have proof of income, identity, and Idaho residency ready. Adults in the expansion group can also apply through Your Health Idaho, which screens for Medicaid first. Most decisions arrive within 45 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Idaho?
No. Idaho keeps the name Medicaid. It's the same federal program, run by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, with the same core benefits.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Can adults without kids get Medicaid in Idaho?
Yes. Because Idaho expanded Medicaid in 2020, adults age 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138% of the poverty level, whether or not they have children.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Idaho
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Idaho
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, sometimes still called Food Stamps, is a federal program that helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto the Idaho Quest Card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~124,000
Idahoans received SNAP benefits in early 2026 (approximate)
USDA FNS, 2026 (approx.)
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
USDA / Idaho DHW, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Idaho
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through idalink at idalink.idaho.gov, or in person at your local Health and Welfare office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. Note that starting February 15, 2026, candy and soda are no longer eligible for purchase with SNAP in Idaho.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Idaho?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in Idaho?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can be done by phone.
What can I no longer buy with SNAP in Idaho?
Starting February 15, 2026, Idaho no longer allows candy and soda to be purchased with SNAP benefits. Most other groceries, including staple foods, are still covered.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Idaho
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Idaho
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TAFI usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TAFI automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TAFI are automatically income-eligible
- Idaho residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or your local public health district to schedule an appointment, or sign up online at signupwic.com. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Idaho residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or TAFI enrollment. If approved, you receive your Idaho eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Idaho's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Do WIC benefits roll over if I do not use them?
No. Idaho eWIC benefits do not carry over month to month, so use each month's benefits before they reset. WIC also provides infant formula and breastfeeding support.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Idaho
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Idaho
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Idaho's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating bills, with payments made directly to the utility or fuel vendor. The program is federally funded and overseen by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), but you apply through your local Community Action Agency. Both heating and crisis help are available during the cold season.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of state median
Most households at or below 60% of the state median income can qualify; larger households use 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
Idaho DHW / LIHEAP Clearinghouse, 2026
WHEN TO APPLY
Opens in the fall
Households with young children, older adults, or a disabled member can apply starting in October; all others in November
Idaho DHW, 2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Idaho DHW, 2026
Who qualifies
- Idaho households at or below 60% of the state median income (or 150% of the federal poverty guidelines for larger households)
- Renters and homeowners paying home heating costs
- Priority for households with older adults, young children, or people with disabilities
- Households on SNAP, TAFI, or SSI may be income-eligible
How to apply
Apply through your local Community Action Agency, not DHW directly. Find your agency by calling the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or visiting the DHW heating assistance page. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, and proof of income. Priority households can apply starting in October and everyone else in November, and funds are first come, first served, so apply early.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
Idaho uses an income limit of 60% of the state median income for most households. If you receive SNAP, TAFI, or SSI, you may already meet the income test. Contact your local Community Action Agency to check.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility or fuel vendor. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
When can I apply for heating help in Idaho?
Households with young children, older adults, or a disabled member can apply starting in October. All other households can apply starting in November. Apply early, because funds are limited.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Idaho
Subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance through Your Health Idaho.
ACA Subsidies in Idaho
Subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance through Your Health Idaho.
ACA subsidies are tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan. In Idaho, you buy that plan through Your Health Idaho, the state-run marketplace, not HealthCare.gov. Your Health Idaho is the only place Idahoans can get these premium tax credits. Because Idaho expanded Medicaid, adults with the lowest incomes are usually covered by Medicaid instead.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
120,000+
Idahoans enrolled in a Your Health Idaho plan for 2026 (approximate)
Your Health Idaho / CMS, 2026 (approx.)
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
76%
About 76% of 2026 marketplace enrollees qualified for premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
CMS via healthinsurance.org, 2026
WHERE TO ENROLL
Your Health Idaho
Idaho runs its own marketplace, so you enroll at yourhealthidaho.org, not HealthCare.gov
Your Health Idaho, 2026
Who qualifies
- Idahoans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 138% of the federal poverty level, above the Medicaid range
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Idaho
How to apply
Apply online at Your Health Idaho (yourhealthidaho.org), the state marketplace. Enter household income and family size to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I use HealthCare.gov or Your Health Idaho?
Your Health Idaho. Idaho runs its own state-based marketplace, so Idahoans enroll and get tax credits at yourhealthidaho.org, not HealthCare.gov.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. Your Health Idaho screens for Idaho Medicaid first. Because Idaho expanded Medicaid, adults with income up to 138% of the poverty level are usually covered by Medicaid rather than a marketplace plan.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. About 76% of Idaho enrollees received premium tax credits for 2026, applied automatically when you enroll through Your Health Idaho.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Idaho (TAFI)
Short-term monthly cash for families with children who have very low income.
TANF in Idaho (TAFI)
Short-term monthly cash for families with children who have very low income.
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho, or TAFI, is Idaho's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto the Idaho Quest Card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, and other essentials. The program is run by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and comes with a strict 24-month lifetime limit and a work requirement.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$309/mo
The most a family can receive per month, the same regardless of family size (this is the benefit paid, not the income limit)
Idaho DHW, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
24 months
Idaho caps cash assistance at 24 months over a lifetime, far shorter than the federal 60-month limit
Idaho DHW, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
Very low
To qualify, a family must have very low countable income under the state limit, one of the strictest tests in the country
NCCP citing Idaho DHW, 2026
Who qualifies
- Idaho residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (Idaho has one of the strictest TANF income limits in the country)
- Adults must take part in the Employment and Training work program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through idalink at idalink.idaho.gov, or in person at your local Health and Welfare office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through idalink can also screen you for SNAP and Medicaid at the same time. If approved, benefits are loaded onto the Idaho Quest Card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive TAFI in Idaho?
Idaho limits TAFI to 24 months over your lifetime, much shorter than the federal 60-month cap. Limited extensions may be available in cases of hardship, so ask your local Health and Welfare office about your situation.
What's the difference between TAFI and TANF?
They are the same thing. TAFI, Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho, is simply Idaho's name for the federal TANF program, run by Idaho DHW.
Can I receive TAFI and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TAFI families are generally eligible for SNAP and Medicaid too. Applying at idalink screens you for all three at once.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Idaho (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Idaho (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Idaho does not have its own state EITC, so the federal credit is what applies.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
The EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Claim it for the year you qualified, and you can still file for past years you missed. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers. Idaho does not add a state EITC, so there is nothing extra to file at the state level.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does Idaho have its own state EITC?
No. Idaho does not offer a state earned income tax credit. Only the federal EITC is available to Idaho workers. Idaho also had a $205 state child tax credit, but that expired for tax year 2026.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Idaho
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Idaho
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Idaho families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Idaho had a separate $205 state child tax credit, but it expired for tax year 2026, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child of the federal credit is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the federal credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the federal credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full federal credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the federal Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return, using Schedule 8812. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the federal Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Idaho have a state Child Tax Credit?
Not for tax year 2026. Idaho had a $205-per-child state credit, but it expired at the start of 2026 and was not renewed by the Legislature. Only the federal Child Tax Credit is available to Idaho families now, so check with the Idaho State Tax Commission if the law changes.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Idaho (ICCP)
Subsidized child care for working Idaho families.
Child Care Assistance in Idaho (ICCP)
Subsidized child care for working Idaho families.
The Idaho Child Care Program, or ICCP, helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW). The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Idaho DHW, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
130% FPL to enter
New families must have income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level to qualify
Idaho DHW, 2026
CHILDREN COVERED
Under age 13
Children under 13, or older with a disability, in families that are working or in school
Idaho DHW, 2026
Who qualifies
- Idaho residents with a child under 13, or older with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- New families with income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through idalink at idalink.idaho.gov or contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. Idaho has used an enrollment waitlist to stay within its budget, so apply as soon as you know you need care and ask about current openings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider approved by the Idaho Child Care Program, including licensed centers and licensed family child care homes.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay a larger share.
Is there a waitlist for child care help in Idaho?
Idaho has used an enrollment waitlist to keep the program within its budget, with priority for certain families. Contact DHW to check the current status and get on the list as early as possible.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
