Documents Needed to Apply for Preschool Promise
To apply for Preschool Promise, you will need to show proof of your income, that you live in Oregon, and your child’s age. Before you start your application, gather these documents as photos, scans, or files on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Age Eligibility
To be eligible, a child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the school year you want to enroll them. If your child turns 5 after September 1, they are eligible.
Submit ONE of the following documents to verify your child’s date of birth. Make sure the child’s full date of birth and name is listed clearly.
- Child’s birth certificate
- Child’s official hospital record (not the footprint card)
- Pediatrician/doctor’s office paperwork
- Child’s immunization record
- Health insurance documentation
- Foster care placement letter
- Legal document (e.g. benefits letter)
If you cannot provide any of the above documents, a supplemental age eligibility form can be submitted in its place.
Residency Eligibility
To be eligible, the child must live in Oregon.
Submit ONE of the following documents to verify Oregon residency.
- Current utility/service bill (electric, gas, water/sewer and waste)
- Lease or rental agreement
- Identification card or Oregon driver’s license
- Paystub, 1040 tax form, or W-2
- Benefits letter (Social Security, TANF, SNAP, OHP letter, etc.) dated within the last 12 months
- Foster care placement letter
- Secure address through Address Confidentiality Program
IMPORTANT NOTE
The document must have:
- Full name of parent/caregiver listed on the application.
- Same address as the physical address listed in the application.
If you cannot provide any of the above documents, a supplemental residency eligibility form can be submitted in its place.
Income Eligibility
Families who fall into either of the two categories below are income eligible for Preschool Promise.
Income Category 1
For Benefit Recipients
Families who receive any of the benefits below are automatically income eligible for Preschool Promise! Simply provide a benefits verification letter dated within the last 12 months.
- TANF
- SSI
- SNAP
- ERDC
- WIC
- OHP
For Children in Foster Care
Children currently in foster/resource care are automatically eligible for Preschool Promise — no matter the family’s income. Note: this does not apply to children in a guardianship.
Submit ONE of the following documents to verify foster care placement:
- An ODHS Foster Care placement letter
- A court order or other legal document
- A written statement from a government official confirming foster care placement
- Proof of a foster (resource) care payment for the child
Tribal Affiliation
Families affiliated with a federally recognized tribe are automatically eligible for Preschool Promise — no matter the family’s income.
Submit ONE of the following documents to verify tribal membership or affiliation:
- Enrollment Number establishing membership of the child (or parent, if it is not the child listed)
- Tribal Enrollment Certificate – may also be called: Tribal ID, Tribal Membership Card, or Enrollment Card
- Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB)
Unhoused Families
Families who are experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible for Preschool Promise — no matter the family’s income.
Income Category 2
For Households With Income Below the Maximum
If Category 1 does not apply, use the chart below to check if your household’s total income (before taxes) is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
| Household Size Size includes parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of applicant child & other relative dependents living in the house. | Maximum Annual Income Income maximum does not apply to children living in foster care. |
|---|---|
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
Spending a lot on housing costs?
If housing costs — like rent or mortgage, insurance, some utilities, and property taxes — add up to more than 30% of your income, you may be eligible for a Housing Cost Adjustment, which may help you qualify for Preschool Promise. Use the Housing Cost Adjustment Calculator to find out, or contact the Preschool Promise Enrollment Team, (541) 741-6000, ext. 201 (English/Spanish)
If you fall into Income Category 2, include all of the following documents for all income sources that apply to your household.
All documentation must include the full name of the parent/caregiver.
What Does Not Count As Income
| Types of Income | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Wages and Salaries (gross income) | Submit ONE of the following:
|
| Self-Employment (net income) | Submit ONE of the following:
|
| Unemployment benefits, workers compensation, veteran's benefits, Supplemental Security income (SSI) and similar payments | Benefits Letter/Statements |
| Social Security or other retirement benefits | Benefits Letter/Statements |
| Private and government pensions, as well as regular insurance or annuity payments | Statements |
| Re-enlistment benefits | Benefits Letter/Statements |
| Alimony or Child Support payments | Alimony or Child Support statements |
| Dividends, interest or net rental income | Statements |
| College scholarships and grants | Financial Aid award letters |
| Paid Leave Oregon benefits | Benefits Letter/Statements |
| Other periodic income sources (eg. short/long-term disability, pay from sick or vacation leave) | Statements |
| Irregular or infrequent income sources; no income documentation available | Completed Supplemental Income Form |
