IDAHO
What assistance can a single mother receive in Idaho?
A single mother with two children in Idaho with no income may receive up to $309 in cash assistance, $785 in food benefits, and $1,242 in utility support, along with child care assistance and Medicaid coverage.
| CASH | $309 |
| FOOD | $785 |
| WIC | $52 |
| LIHEAP | $1,242 |
| CHILD CARE | ✓ |
| MEDICAID | ✓ |
| PELL GRANT | $7,395 |
For the 2026—2027 academic year, a single mother in a household of 3 in Idaho can earn up to $58,095 and still qualify for the maximum Pell grant of $7,395.
This is an unofficial benefits estimator. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application.
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI)
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) provides monthly cash assistance and work preparation services for low-income families with children in Idaho.
The aim is to provide necessary assistance to neediest families with children on a temporary basis, up to a lifetime limit of 24 months.
Eligible families may receive a maximum of $309 per month, regardless of family size. Actual benefit amounts may vary based on the family’s as income and resources.
What is the income limit for TANF in Idaho?
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | $309 |
| 3 | $389 |
| 4 | $469 |
| 5 | $547 |
| 6 | $628 |
| 7 | $708 |
| 8 | $787 |
How do I apply for TANF in Idaho?
Applications for TAFI can now be done online through IdaLink which is the official self-service portal for residents of Idaho to apply for public assistance from the comfort of their home.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Self-Reliance Benefits Assistance
(877) 456-1233
Aid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD)
The Aid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) Program, the other cash assistance under TANF, provides a certain amount of cash each month for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
The maximum payment amount for a person living independently in the community is capped at $53 per month. Eligible individuals may also receive AABD Medicaid .
To apply for AABD Cash Assistance in Idaho, you may:
- Call (877) 456-1233 for an interviw
- Visit a local Department of Health and Welfare office
- Apply online at IdaLink
Idaho Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Idaho SNAP helps low-income individuals and families afford a nutritionally adequate diet by providing monthly food assistance benefits to help pay for groceries.
SNAP benefits are available to families whose income is equal to or below 130% of the poverty guideline. For a family of three with no income, that’s about $785 per month.
| Household Size | SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
Eligible households will be issued an Idaho Quest Card which can be used instead of cash to purchase food items at one of the 1,100 authorized retail locations around the state.
How do I apply for SNAP in Idaho?
Applications for SNAP can be done online through IdaLink or in person at the closest DHW field office . After your application is received and reviewed, you will be contacted for an eligibility interview.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Self-Reliance Benefits Assistance
(877) 456-1233
Idaho Medicaid
Idaho Medicaid is a health care coverage for low-income Idahoans who might otherwise go without medical care for themselves and their children.
It covers a broad range of people, including children under age 19, pregnant women, elderly people and single parents whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.
Medicaid in Idaho, also called Idaho Health Plan Coverage, offers three different benefit plans based on your healthcare needs.
Basic Plan
Basic plan provides health, prevention, and wellness benefits for adults in generally good health, without disabilities or special health needs.
It covers annual physicals, immunizations, most prescriptions, doctor and hospital visits, and more. Most participants will be in this benefit plan.
Enhanced Plan
Enhance plan is for people with more complex needs and medical conditions, disabilities or special health needs, and people over the age of 65. It comes with all the benefits of the Basic Plan, plus additional benefits.
Coordinated Plan
Coordinated plan is specifically designed for individuals who are eligible and enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dual eligibles.
It offers all the advantages of the Enhanced Plan while also providing the option to enroll in a managed care plan. This helps in coordinating the benefits of both Medicare and Medicaid.
What is the income threshold for Medicaid in Idaho?
As Idaho is expanding Medicaid, eligibility now includes children ages 6—18, pregnant women, and adults up to age 64 with family income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
| idaho Medicaid | 147% | 138% | 138% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,917 | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $2,591 | $2,432 | $2,432 |
| 3 | $3,265 | $3,065 | $3,065 |
| 4 | $3,938 | $3,697 | $3,697 |
| 5 | $4,612 | $4,330 | $4,330 |
| 6 | $5,286 | $4,962 | $4,962 |
| 7 | $5,960 | $5,595 | $5,595 |
| 8 | $6,633 | $6,227 | $6,227 |
Children from birth to age 5 qualify with income up to 147% of the federal poverty level or about $3,065 per month for a family of three.
Can I apply for Idaho Medicaid online?
Applications for Medicaid in Idaho can be made online through IdaLink or over the phone by calling the Department of Health and Welfare.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Medicaid Customer Service
(877) 456-1233
Idaho Health Plan (CHIP)
Idaho Health Plan provides comprehensive health care to uninsured children through the age of 18 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private coverage.
Coverage includes, but are not limited to, well-child visits, doctor visits, prescriptions, immunizations, dental and vision care, hospitalization, among others.
What is the income limit for Idaho Health Plan?
In Idaho, children whose family income level is under 190% of poverty level are eligible for Idaho Heath Plan. That’s about $4,220 per month for a family of three.
| Household Size | 190% |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,478 |
| 2 | $3,349 |
| 3 | $4,220 |
| 4 | $5,090 |
| 5 | $5,961 |
| 6 | $6,832 |
| 7 | $7,703 |
| 8 | $8,574 |
CHIP may charge a small monthly premium of $10 or $15 per child, depending on income, with total annual cost-sharing capped at 5% of a family’s income.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Medicaid Customer Service
(877) 456-1233
Idaho Special Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Idaho WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children up to age 5.
It helps eligible families save money and promote healthy lifestyle choices by providing healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services at no cost.
What is the income limit for WIC in Idaho?
Women, infants, and children in Idaho with gross monthly income under 185% of the poverty level are eligible for WIC assistance.
| Household Size | ANNUAL LIMIT | MONTLY LIMIT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,956 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,804 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,652 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,500 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,348 |
How much do I get for WIC in Idaho?
Children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.
How to apply for WIC in Idaho?
WIC has local offices all over Idaho.1 Find your local WIC Clinic to set up your first appointment or call 2-1-1 to find the WIC office nearest you.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
(800) 926-2588
Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP)
Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) a state-administered initiative that helps low-income, working families pay for child care, with eligibility based on income and family size.
ICCP serves families in Idaho with children under the age of 13 or over 13 if a child has a disability who are income eligible and are working or going to college. Priority is given to families already receiving Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI).
Families are responsible for a portion of the cost, known as a co-payment (co-pay), which is paid directly to the child care provider based on a sliding scale.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in Idaho?
A family in Idaho is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is less than 130% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application or about $2,887 per month for a family of three, above which the family is ineligible.
| Household Size | 130% FPL | 130% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $2,291 | $2,291 |
| 3 | $2,887 | $2,887 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $3,483 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $4,079 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $4,675 |
| 7 | $5,270 | $5,270 |
| 8 | $5,866 | $5,866 |
How do I apply for ICCP in Idaho?
To apply for Idaho child care assistance (ICCP), contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at (877) 456-1233 or apply in person at the nearest DHW office .
You may be required to submit documentation verifying your identity, household income, current child care expenses, and, where applicable, the immigration status of each child.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Child Care Program (ICCP)
(877) 456-1233
Idaho Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Idaho LIHEAP provides eligible households with a one-time benefit to help pay for the primary heating utility during the winter season. The program also offers crisis assistance for households facing an immediate heating emergency, such as a utility shut-off notice.
Eligibility is based on income and benefit amounts are determined by the household’s historical energy usage. Households with the elderly or disabled or a young child under age 5 are given priority consideration.
Families must meet the income limits to receive LIHEAP benefits. For Idaho LIHEAP, income limits are set at 60% of the State Median Income (SMI).
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,736 |
| 2 | $3,578 |
| 3 | $4,419 |
| 4 | $5,262 |
| 5 | $6,104 |
| 6 | $6,946 |
| 7 | $7,104 |
| 8 | $7,420 |
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Idaho?
Applications for LIHEAP can be made in person at your local Community Action Agency . Standard heating assistance applications are usually open from October 1 through March 31, while crisis assistance is available year-round as funding allows.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(800) 926-2588
Idaho Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.
Idaho LIHWAP offers a one-time crisis benefit up to $1,500 to help qualified households pay their water and wastewater past due utility bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections.
Households eligible for LIHEAP meet the eligibility requirements for LIHWAP as well, which includes an annual income being at or below 60% of the current State Median Income.
How do I get help paying my water bill in Idaho?
If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you may apply either online at Idaho LIHEAP or in person at the local agency that serves your county.
Idaho Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Idaho’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.
Services may include, but are not limited to, insulation of attics and walls, heating system repairs or replacement, installation of energy-efficient lighting and refrigerators.
What are the income guidelines for weatherization in Idaho?
Idaho WAP serves low-income households whose monthly income is at or below 200% of the poverty line. That’s about $53,300 for a family of three.
Priority is given to the most vulnerable households, such as families with young children, elderly and disabled members or eligible families with emergency heating situations.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 |
| 2 | $3,525 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,358 |
| 5 | $6,275 |
| 6 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $8,108 |
| 8 | $9,025 |
How do I apply for WAP in Idaho?
To apply for weatherization assistance, contact the local CAP Agency in your area for further information on program requirements and application procedures.
Idaho Unemployment Insurance
Idaho Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to laid-off workers in Idaho, while they are looking for a new job.
In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:
- earned at least $1,872 during the highest-paid quarter of the base period prior to filing a claim,
- wages in at least two quarters of the base period, and
- total base-period wages of at least 1.25 times the amount you earned in your highest-paid quarter of that base period.
For example, if your highest paid quarter was $1,872, your total base-period earnings in at least two quarters must be at least $2,340 ($1,872 × 1.25) to qualify.
How much unemployment benefits can I get in Idaho?
Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $590 per week for a maximum of 21 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.
How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Idaho?
You may file your initial claim or weekly certification online at the Idaho Claimant Portal . Claims over the phone are currently not accepted.
Idaho Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance Claims
(208) 332-8942
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is a renewable, need-based grant for Idaho residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree or certificate at eligible in-state institutions.
The scholarship provides up to $3,500 a year for a maximum of four years. Students can use the Opportunity Scholarship at any public Idaho institution and BYU-Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, and College of Idaho.
Applicants for the opportunity scholarship are selected on the basis of demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA and their cumulative GPA.
Idaho State Board of Education
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
(208) 334-2270
Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit
Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit program that helps Idaho families cover tuition and educational expenses for K-12 students ages 5—18 not enrolled in public schools.
The credit allows eligible families to receive up to $5,000 per student for expenses incurred during the 2025 tax year, or up to $7,500 for students with a qualifying disability.2
The funds can be used to pay for, or reimburse, expenses such as:
- Nonpublic school tuition and fees
- Tutoring services
- Textbooks and curriculum
- National standardized assessments, AP exams, and preparatory courses
- Transportation costs to and from a nonpublic school
The application period for the 2025 tax year opens on January 15, 2026, and is scheduled to remain open until March 15, 2026 through the Idaho Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).
The program is capped at $50 million annually and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to families with incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
Idaho State Tax Commission
(208) 334-7660