$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
Wyoming Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Wyoming
SSDI in Wyoming - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Wyoming - 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. This matters in Wyoming, where Medicaid coverage for non-elderly adults without children is very limited.
How long does SSDI take in Wyoming?
Wyoming processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Services. 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 Wyoming - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Wyoming - 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 Wyoming, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid, and the state adds a small monthly supplement on top of the federal payment.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026, before Wyoming adds its state supplement
SSA, 2026
WYOMING ADDS
$20/mo
Wyoming pays a $20 monthly state supplement to eligible recipients whose only income is SSI
Wyoming Dept. of Health ECOM, 2021
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
- Wyoming residents whose sole income is SSI qualify for the state supplement automatically
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 Wyoming?
Yes. SSI approval makes you eligible for Wyoming Medicaid. This is one of the main pathways to Medicaid for adults in a non-expansion state.
Does Wyoming add to my SSI payment?
Yes. Wyoming pays a $20 monthly state supplement to aged, blind, and disabled recipients whose only income is SSI. There is no separate application, the state identifies eligible recipients through Social Security data.
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 Wyoming
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Wyoming
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
WYOMING PROPERTY TAX BREAK
$6,000
Qualifying veterans get $6,000 knocked off the assessed value of their home each year
Wyoming Dept. of Revenue, 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 Wyoming offer any extra benefits for veterans?
Yes. Wyoming offers a veterans property tax exemption that reduces the assessed value of your home by $6,000 a year, and the Wyoming Veterans Commission can help you apply. It requires at least three years of Wyoming residency plus qualifying service or a service-connected disability. 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 Wyoming
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Wyoming
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 Wyoming?
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 Wyoming?
Yes. The Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program (WSHIIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide at no cost. You can reach it at 1-800-856-4398.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Wyoming
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Wyoming
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
EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 days
Wyoming schools must complete an initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent
Wyoming Dept. of Education, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Wyoming schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold a meeting to develop the IEP within 30 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 Wyoming
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Wyoming residents.
Medicaid in Wyoming
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Wyoming residents.
Wyoming 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. Wyoming is a non-expansion state, so adult eligibility is limited to pregnant women, parents with very low income, people with disabilities, and seniors. Most adults without children do not qualify, even with no income.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~60,000
Wyomingites enrolled in Medicaid and Kid Care CHIP as of October 2025 (approximate)
Medicaid.gov, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Wyoming Dept. of Health, 2026
PARENT INCOME LIMIT
43% FPL
One of the strictest parent limits in the country, based on the 1996 income standard
Wyoming Dept. of Health, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children age 6 to 18 in households up to 133% of the federal poverty level, and children under 6 up to 154%
- Pregnant women up to 154% of the federal poverty level
- Parents and caretakers with very low income (only about 43% of the federal poverty level)
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients qualify through their SSI approval
How to apply
Apply online through the Wyoming Eligibility System at wesystem.wyo.gov, or call the Wyoming Department of Health at 1-855-294-2127. Have proof of income, identity, and Wyoming residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming keeps the name Medicaid. It's the same federal program, run by the Wyoming Department of Health. The children's program is branded Kid Care CHIP.
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.
Who qualifies for Wyoming Medicaid?
Children, pregnant women, very low income parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Because Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid, adults without children do not qualify at any income, leaving thousands in a coverage gap.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Wyoming
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Wyoming
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP is a federal program that helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a Wyoming EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~28,000
Wyomingites received SNAP benefits on average each month in 2025, the lowest share of any state
Wyoming DFS, 2025
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, FY2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (about $3,483/mo for a family of four)
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Wyoming
- 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 through the Wyoming Department of Family Services by submitting an application to your local DFS office, or email it to snappowerservice@wyo.gov. An interview is required. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Wyoming?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
Does Wyoming raise the income limit above the federal level?
No. Wyoming has not adopted broad-based categorical eligibility, so it uses the standard federal gross income limit of 130% of the poverty level. Some states set a higher limit, but Wyoming does not.
Can I use my EBT card online or at farmers markets?
Yes. The Wyoming EBT card is accepted at most grocery stores and at retailers like Walmart and Amazon for online orders, plus many farmers markets across the state.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Wyoming
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Wyoming
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 POWER 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 POWER 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 POWER are automatically income-eligible
- Wyoming residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call the Wyoming WIC clinic locator at 1-888-996-9378 or your local public health office to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Wyoming residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or POWER enrollment. If approved, you receive your Wyoming 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 Wyoming'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.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIEAP in Wyoming
Assistance that helps cover your home heating bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIEAP in Wyoming
Assistance that helps cover your home heating bills and prevents shutoffs.
Wyoming's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps qualifying households pay their home heating bills, with payments made directly to the utility or fuel vendor. The program is federally funded and administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). Heating help matters in Wyoming, where long, cold winters drive up energy bills.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of state median
Households at or below 60 percent of the state median income can qualify for heating and crisis help
Wyoming DFS, FY2026
APPLICATION WINDOW
Oct 1 - Apr 30
The heating-season application window when Wyoming households can apply for help
Wyoming DFS, 2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account or fuel vendor, not paid to you as cash
Wyoming DFS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Wyoming households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners responsible for home heating costs
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, POWER, or SSI generally meet the income test
How to apply
Apply online through the Wyoming DFS LIEAP program or call 1-800-246-4221. The application window runs October 1 through April 30. Bring a current heating bill, proof of income, and identification for household members. If approved, the benefit is paid directly to your utility or fuel vendor.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIEAP?
Wyoming uses a 60 percent of state median income limit, which is higher than many people expect. If you receive SNAP, POWER, or SSI, you generally meet the income test.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIEAP payments go directly to your utility company or fuel vendor. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. The amount varies based on your heating costs and household income.
When can I apply for LIEAP in Wyoming?
The heating-season application window runs from October 1 through April 30. Applying early in the season is best, since it takes time to process.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Wyoming
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Wyomingites.
ACA Subsidies in Wyoming
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Wyomingites.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Wyoming uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid, the marketplace is often the only coverage option for adults who do not fit a narrow Medicaid category.
WHERE TO ENROLL
HealthCare.gov
Wyoming uses the federal marketplace, not a state-run exchange
HealthCare.gov, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
100% FPL and up
Households earning at or above the poverty level can qualify for premium tax credits
HealthCare.gov, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 - Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage; special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Wyomingites without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Wyoming
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) 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
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens for Wyoming Medicaid and Kid Care CHIP. Because Wyoming did not expand Medicaid, adults below the poverty level who do not fit a Medicaid category may fall into a coverage gap with no subsidized option.
Does Wyoming run its own marketplace?
No. Wyoming uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov, not a state-run exchange. You enroll and manage your plan there.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Wyoming (POWER)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Wyoming (POWER)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
POWER, which stands for Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities, is Wyoming's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income, along with help finding and keeping work. The program is run by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) and comes with a federal 60-month lifetime limit and work requirements.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$781/mo
The highest monthly cash grant for a family of three with no income; Wyoming ranks among the more generous states on this measure, and the actual amount is lower for families whose housing and utilities are fully covered at no cost
Wyoming DFS Cash Assistance, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults, which Wyoming follows
Wyoming DFS, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
Below the standard
To qualify, a family's countable income must fall below the POWER income standard for its size, and countable assets must stay under $5,000
Wyoming DFS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Wyoming residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income and countable assets under $5,000
- Adults must participate in POWER work activities unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply through the Wyoming Department of Family Services by submitting an application to your local DFS office, or email it to snappowerservice@wyo.gov. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying for POWER also screens you for SNAP. If approved, benefits are provided monthly.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive POWER in Wyoming?
A federal 60-month lifetime cap applies to adults. POWER also comes with work requirements, and adults are expected to take part in job search, training, or work activities unless they qualify for a deferral.
What's the difference between POWER and TANF?
They are the same thing. POWER is simply Wyoming's name for the federal TANF program, run by Wyoming DFS.
Can I receive POWER and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. POWER recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying through DFS screens you for SNAP at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Wyoming (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Wyoming (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. Wyoming has no state income tax and no 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. Wyoming has no state income tax, 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 Wyoming have its own state EITC?
No. Wyoming has no state income tax, so there is no state earned income tax credit. Only the federal EITC is available to Wyoming workers.
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 Wyoming
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Wyoming
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 Wyoming 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. Wyoming has no state income tax and no separate state child tax credit, 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 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 credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. 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 (Schedule 8812) 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 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 Wyoming have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Wyoming has no state income tax and no state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Wyoming residents, but there is no additional state supplement on top of it.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Wyoming
Subsidized child care for working Wyoming families.
Child Care Assistance in Wyoming
Subsidized child care for working Wyoming families.
Wyoming's Child Care Subsidy Program 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 Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). 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; families under the poverty level pay little to nothing
Wyoming DFS, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
52% of state median
Families up to about 52 percent of the state median income can qualify to enter, roughly $3,765 a month for a family of three
ACF Office of Child Care / WY CCDF Plan, 2025
HOW TO APPLY
ECARES portal
Applications are handled through the ECARES online system launched in 2025
Wyoming DFS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Wyoming residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households up to about 52 percent of the state median income (roughly $3,765 a month for a family of three) to enter, on a sliding fee scale
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through the ECARES portal or contact your local Wyoming DFS office. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. The program pays your provider directly, and you pay a sliding-scale share based on your income and family size.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider approved to accept the Wyoming child care subsidy, 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. Families under the federal poverty level pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay a larger share.
Is there a waitlist for child care assistance in Wyoming?
The subsidy itself does not run a statewide waitlist, but finding an open provider can be the harder part. Wyoming DFS documents "child care access deserts," where the supply of licensed care does not meet demand, so it helps to apply as soon as you know you need care and to line up an approved provider.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
