How to Apply for Chafee ETV: Complete State-by-State Application Guide (2026)

Applying for a Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV) starts with contacting the state agency that administers the program in the state where you were in foster care — not necessarily where you live today. Each state sets its own application deadlines, age cutoffs (federally 14–26, though many states cap at 23), and required documentation, which is why this guide breaks down the process state by state. ETV funds up to $5,000 per year and do not reduce any other financial aid you receive, including Pell Grants.

The sections below cover who qualifies, the general five-step application process, a detailed breakdown of 15 high-population states, the most common mistakes that get applications denied or delayed, and how to use ETV to fund training programs through the Azgari Foundation. If you need personalized guidance, contact the Azgari Foundation at clientsuccessteam@azgari.org or visit azgari.org/apply/.

Section 1: What Is the Chafee ETV Program?

The Chafee Education and Training Voucher program is a federal grant established under Section 477 of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 and reauthorized by the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (HHS ACF) allocates federal dollars to each state, which then administers its own program. States must match 20% of federal funds. According to HHS ACF, states collectively distribute approximately $45 million in ETV funds annually across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

What ETV Pays For

ETV funds are broadly defined. Eligible expenses include:

• Tuition and fees at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, and vocational schools
• Room and board — both on-campus housing and off-campus rent
• Books, supplies, and equipment required for enrolled programs
• Transportation to and from school or training
• Living expenses such as food and utilities while enrolled
• Vocational and technical training programs
• Professional certification and licensure exam fees
• Computer equipment and internet access needed for coursework

The $5,000 annual maximum is per federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). Some states award less than the federal maximum depending on appropriations. A youth may receive up to the federal maximum in any combination of the above expense categories, provided the program or institution is approved by the administering agency.

How ETV Differs from FAFSA and Other Financial Aid

This is one of the most important things to understand: ETV is not considered income for federal financial aid purposes. Per HHS ACF guidance, ETV awards do not count against your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA, do not reduce your Pell Grant, and do not reduce state need-based grants. In practical terms, a foster youth can receive a $5,000 ETV award on top of a full Pell Grant and state aid, using ETV to cover expenses not met by other aid. This stacking ability makes ETV uniquely valuable.

The Azgari Foundation’s AI and digital skills job training programs are structured to qualify as ETV-eligible vocational training programs. Youth in Texas and beyond can use ETV funds to cover enrollment costs, technology equipment, and living expenses while completing Azgari Foundation programming. Learn more at azgari.org/programs/.

Section 2: Who Qualifies for ETV?

Federal eligibility rules establish the floor. States may narrow — but never expand — federal criteria. Always verify your specific state’s rules with the administering agency listed in Section 4.

Federal Baseline Eligibility

Under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 677), you qualify if you meet ALL of the following:

1. Age: You are between 14 and 26 years old at the time of application. The federal upper limit is 26; many states cut off at 21, 23, or 24.
2. Foster care history: You are currently in foster care OR you were formerly in foster care and aged out at age 16 or older (some states accept age 14 or older).
3. Enrollment: You are enrolled or accepted into an eligible postsecondary education or training program.
4. Income: Federal law sets no income cap. Some states set income limits — typically 200% of the federal poverty level — so check your state’s rules.

Extended Eligibility: Adoption and Guardianship

Youth who left foster care through adoption or legal guardianship after age 16 are federally eligible for ETV on the same terms as youth who aged out. Per HHS ACF, this was clarified in the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014. If you were adopted from foster care after age 16, you do not have to have “aged out” — you qualify through the adoption pathway. Documentation requirements vary by state but typically include a copy of the adoption decree or guardianship order and court records showing foster care placement before age 16.

Current Foster Youth (Under 18)

Youth currently in foster care at age 14 or older can apply for ETV to fund vocational programs, certification courses, community college dual enrollment, and other approved training. Many states restrict current youth awards to educational programs approved by the placing agency or caseworker. Check with your caseworker before enrolling in a program if you are currently in care.

What Disqualifies an Application

• Applying after your state’s age cutoff (most commonly 23 or 21)
• Enrolling in a non-approved program before getting ETV authorization
• Lack of verifiable foster care documentation (court records, DFPS records, placement history)
• Exceeding the income cap in states that impose one
• Applying in the wrong state (you must apply in the state that held your foster care case, not necessarily your current state of residence — though some states allow transfers)
• Missing the annual renewal deadline after the first year

Important: Portability Between States

If you aged out of foster care in Texas but now live in California, you generally must apply to Texas for ETV, since that is the state that received federal funds on your behalf. A small number of states have portability agreements. Always call both the state where you were in care and the state where you now live to clarify which agency has jurisdiction before submitting an application.

Section 3: General Application Steps

Despite state-by-state variation, most ETV applications follow the same five-step process. The state-specific details are in Section 4.

Step 1: Contact Your State’s Administering Agency

Every state designates an agency to administer ETV funds — typically the state child welfare agency (e.g., DFPS in Texas, DCFS in California) or a contracted nonprofit partner. Locate your state’s agency in Section 4 or through the HHS ACF state factsheet database at acf.gov. Call or email the agency before starting an application to confirm current deadlines and fund availability — ETV funds are capped and some states exhaust their allocation mid-year.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

Standard documentation package required in most states:

• Foster care verification: Court order showing foster care placement, DFPS/DCFS case number, or a letter from your former caseworker or agency confirming your placement history and exit date
• Proof of identity: Government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance: Acceptance letter, enrollment verification, or course registration from the school or program
• Program cost documentation: Official cost of attendance from the institution, tuition invoice, or program fee schedule
• Social Security number
• Income documentation (in states that impose income caps): recent pay stubs, tax return, or a statement of no income

If you cannot locate your foster care records, contact the court that handled your case or your former placing agency. Many states have a process for reconstructing records for youth who have lost documentation. The Azgari Foundation can assist Texas youth with this process — contact clientsuccessteam@azgari.org.

Step 3: Complete the State-Specific Application

Most states use an online application portal; a few still accept paper applications. Application windows typically open July 1 (the start of the federal fiscal year, offset to match state budget cycles) with initial deadlines commonly in October or November. Annual renewal applications are often due in the spring. Never assume the portal is open — confirm dates with the administering agency.

Step 4: Get Your Program Approved

ETV funds cannot be disbursed to a program that the administering agency has not verified as eligible. Most accredited colleges and universities are automatically approved. Vocational schools, coding programs, certification courses, and nonprofit training programs (including the Azgari Foundation’s programs) may require a pre-approval step. Submit the program’s accreditation status, curriculum outline, and cost schedule to the agency for review before you enroll. Enrolling first and seeking approval after is the single most common reason ETV applications are denied.

Step 5: Funds Are Disbursed

Depending on the state and program type, ETV funds are disbursed one of two ways: (1) directly to the institution or program on the youth’s behalf, or (2) directly to the youth via check or direct deposit for eligible living expenses. Many states use a combination. Keep receipts for all ETV-funded expenditures — some states conduct audits and require documentation that funds were spent on approved expenses.

Section 4: State-by-State ETV Application Guide (15 Key States)

The following profiles cover the 15 highest-population states. For all other states, visit the HHS ACF state factsheet database or contact your state child welfare agency directly. Data verified from official state agency websites and HHS ACF resources as of August 2026.

Texas

Administering Agency: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Independent Living Program

Application Website: texasetv.com

Age Range: 16–26 (must have been in Texas foster care on or after 14th birthday)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000 per federal fiscal year

State-Specific Rules: Texas uses a dedicated portal at texasetv.com, operated under contract with DFPS. Youth must have been in foster care in Texas under DFPS, a residential child care operation, or a DFPS-contracted agency. Texas has extended foster care (Extended Foster Care / EFC) through age 21 for eligible youth who remain in care — ETV is available alongside EFC benefits. Income limit: 200% of the federal poverty level. Applications for the 2025–26 award year opened in summer 2025; the 2026–27 cycle opens July 1, 2026.

How to Apply: Create an account at texasetv.com, complete the online application, upload verification documents, and await eligibility determination. Questions: DFPS Independent Living at 1-800-252-5400.

Contact: DFPS Independent Living Program | 512-929-6900 | DFPS ETV FAQ

California

Administering Agency: California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) — California operates its ETV program as the “California Chafee Grant”

Application Website: csac.ca.gov

Age Range: 16–26 (must have been in California foster care at age 16 or older)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: California uniquely routes its ETV funds through the student aid commission rather than the child welfare agency, meaning you apply similarly to how you apply for the Cal Grant. The Chafee Grant is available to current and former foster youth, including those in extended foster care (AB 12 extended to age 21) and Kin-GAP/AAP (Kinship/Adoption Assistance Program) participants. No income limit. California also has the California College Pathways initiative, which coordinates ETV with campus-based support programs. You do not need to complete the FAFSA to apply for the Chafee Grant, though CSAC recommends doing so to maximize total aid.

How to Apply: Complete the Chafee Grant application at csac.ca.gov. The application typically opens January 1 and the initial deadline is June 30 for the following academic year. Contact your campus Financial Aid Office or campus foster youth liaison for application assistance.

Contact: CSAC Customer Service | 888-224-7268 | csac.ca.gov

Florida

Administering Agency: Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), operated through the Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) program

Application Website: myflfamilies.com

Age Range: 16–23 (Florida caps ETV at age 23)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Florida brands its ETV program as PESS. The program is administered through DCF’s Community-Based Care (CBC) lead agencies, which are regional nonprofit organizations under contract with DCF. This means your application is submitted to your regional CBC agency, not directly to DCF. Florida has a tuition waiver program (the Florida College System Foster Youth Tuition Waiver) that ETV can complement — youth can stack PESS/ETV on top of the waiver for books, housing, and other expenses. Income limit: 200% of federal poverty level.

How to Apply: Contact your regional CBC lead agency directly. A list of agencies by county is at myflfamilies.com. Have your foster care placement records and school enrollment documentation ready before contacting the CBC agency.

Contact: DCF Office of Child Welfare | 850-487-1111 | Regional CBC agency contacts at myflfamilies.com

Ohio

Administering Agency: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), administered locally through county Public Children Services Agencies (PCSAs)

Application Website: jfs.ohio.gov | Application assistance: fseducation.fostersuccess.org/ohio-etv/

Age Range: 16–23 (Ohio caps at 23; must have been in foster care on 16th birthday or later)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Ohio processes ETV at the county level through local PCSA offices, which means wait times and application experiences vary by county. Foster Success Education Services operates a state-level navigator service (fseducation.fostersuccess.org) that helps youth navigate the county process and is the recommended starting point. Ohio requires annual renewal; renewal applications typically open in April. Income limit: 200% of the federal poverty level. A dedicated ETV application form for 2025–26 is available via acalltocollege.org.

How to Apply: Start at fseducation.fostersuccess.org/ohio-etv/ or call your county PCSA. Foster Success Education Services provides personalized navigation at no cost to youth.

Contact: ODJFS Children Services | 614-466-9274 | Foster Success: 1-888-OK-YOUTH

Michigan

Administering Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Foster Youth in Transition (FYIT) Program; application administered through Samaritas

Application Website: michigan.gov/fyit | Application portal: mietv.samaritas.org

Age Range: 14–23 (Michigan allows current foster youth as young as 14)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Michigan contracts with Samaritas (a statewide nonprofit) to process and disburse ETV funds, making mietv.samaritas.org the primary application portal. Michigan’s ETV is available to youth who were in foster care (including tribal foster care) under the supervision of MDHHS or a federally recognized tribe. Michigan has extended foster care (MI-Bridges) through age 21. Youth in extended foster care may access ETV simultaneously. Income limit: 200% of the federal poverty level. Michigan has a strong campus support program called FYIT Campus Connection at several Michigan universities that coordinates ETV with on-campus support.

How to Apply: Create an account at mietv.samaritas.org. The application process is fully online. Download the complete application packet from mietv.samaritas.org if you prefer a paper walkthrough before applying online.

Contact: Samaritas Michigan ETV | 888-234-0023 | mietv.samaritas.org

Illinois

Administering Agency: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Transitional Living/Independent Living Program

Application Website: dcfs.illinois.gov

Age Range: 14–23 (Illinois accepts current foster youth as young as 14)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Illinois DCFS administers ETV directly through its transitional living program. Youth must have been in Illinois DCFS guardianship or custody. Illinois has robust extended foster care (Extended Foster Care / EFC) to age 21 under the Illinois Youth in Care program, and ETV is available alongside EFC benefits. Youth who left Illinois care through adoption after age 16 qualify. Illinois also has the Chafee scholarship component (separate from ETV) that provides additional educational support. Contact your DCFS aftercare worker or regional Independent Living coordinator as a first step.

How to Apply: Contact your DCFS Independent Living coordinator at your regional DCFS office or at dcfs.illinois.gov. Youth who have aged out and no longer have an assigned caseworker should call the DCFS State Central Register at 800-252-2873 and ask to be connected with the Independent Living program.

Contact: DCFS Statewide Hotline | 800-252-2873 | dcfs.illinois.gov

New York

Administering Agency: New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), administered through the NYS ETV program

Application Website: etv-nys.smapply.org

Age Range: 16–26 (New York maintains the federal maximum age of 26)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: New York uses a dedicated application portal (etv-nys.smapply.org) powered by the SMApply platform. New York is one of a small number of states that honors the full federal age ceiling of 26, making it valuable for youth who delayed their postsecondary education. Must have been in foster care in New York on or after 16th birthday OR aged out of New York foster care. New York City youth interact with the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS); youth outside NYC interact with their local County Department of Social Services. The Fair Futures New York initiative provides ETV navigation coaches in New York City — see fairfuturesny.org for a step-by-step application walkthrough.

How to Apply: Apply online at etv-nys.smapply.org. NYC youth can also receive in-person assistance through Fair Futures coaches at their placement agency.

Contact: OCFS Youth Development | 518-473-7793 | ocfs.ny.gov/programs/youth/etv.php

Pennsylvania

Administering Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children, Youth and Families; administered through county Children and Youth Agencies (CYAs)

Application Website: County CYA offices (no statewide portal) | FosterClub profile: fosterclub.com

Age Range: 16–23

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Pennsylvania processes ETV at the county level through local Children and Youth Agencies. There is no statewide online application — contact the CYA in the county where your foster care case was held. Pennsylvania has extended foster care (Fostering Independence Program) through age 21. Youth who exited care through adoption after age 16 qualify. An important Pennsylvania-specific rule: the program requires that you not have been “continuously absent” from foster care status — meaning youth who ran away for extended periods may face additional documentation requirements.

How to Apply: Contact the CYA in your home county. A directory of county CYAs is available at dhs.pa.gov. Youth who were in care in multiple counties should contact the county where they spent the most time.

Contact: PA DHS | 800-692-7462 | dhs.pa.gov

Georgia

Administering Agency: Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Georgia CREW (Cultivating the Rising Experienced Worker) Program

Application Website: dfcs.georgia.gov

Age Range: 16–23

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Georgia brands its independent living program as Georgia CREW (Cultivating the Rising Experienced Worker) and routes ETV through this framework. Must have been in Georgia DFCS custody on or after 14th birthday. Georgia has extended foster care (EFC) through age 21 under the Fostering Success program. Georgia’s ETV funds are disbursed through DFCS regional offices; contact your regional DFCS Independent Living coordinator to begin the process. Income limit: 200% of the federal poverty level.

How to Apply: Contact your regional Georgia DFCS office and ask for the Independent Living ETV coordinator. A list of regional offices is at dfcs.georgia.gov. Youth who have already aged out should contact the central DFCS office in Atlanta.

Contact: Georgia DFCS | 404-657-3433 | dfcs.georgia.gov

North Carolina

Administering Agency: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Division of Social Services; administered in partnership with Foster Care to Success and the NC REACH program

Application Website: ncdhhs.gov | NC REACH: saysoinc.org

Age Range: 16–23

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: North Carolina uniquely pairs its federal ETV program with the state-funded NC REACH scholarship, which provides additional support for foster youth at NC public universities and community colleges. SAYSO Inc. (a youth advocacy organization) helps administer ETV navigation services. Foster Care to Success (fc2sprograms.org) provides national ETV navigation and has historically operated the ETV program in North Carolina. Youth should contact both NCDHHS and SAYSO for the most current application process — the administering structure has seen recent changes following a 2025 RFA process.

How to Apply: Contact NCDHHS Division of Social Services or visit saysoinc.org for navigation support. NC REACH applications are submitted through campus financial aid offices at participating NC institutions.

Contact: NCDHHS DSS | 919-527-6335 | SAYSO: saysoinc.org

Washington State

Administering Agency: Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Independent Living and Transitional Support Program

Application Website: dcyf.wa.gov/services/foster-youth/etv

Age Range: 16–23 (Washington caps ETV at 23)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Washington DCYF direly administers ETV. Must have been in Washington foster care on or after 16th birthday. Washington has a robust tuition waiver program (the Washington State foster youth tuition waiver) through the State Need Grant; ETV can be stacked on top of the waiver for expenses not covered. Washington DCYF also has the ETV education grant application available at dcyf.wa.gov/services/foster-parenting/apply-now-education-grant. Application windows and current fund availability are posted at the DCYF website. Income limit: 200% of the federal poverty level.

How to Apply: Apply through dcyf.wa.gov/services/foster-youth/etv. Current foster youth work through their assigned caseworker. Former foster youth contact the DCYF Independent Living program directly.

Contact: DCYF Independent Living | 360-902-7900 | dcyf.wa.gov

Arizona

Administering Agency: Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), Independent Living Program

Application Website: fosteringadvocatesarizona.org | DCS: dcs.az.gov

Age Range: 14–26 (Arizona maintains the full federal age range)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Arizona DCS administers ETV and accepts youth as young as 14 currently in foster care. Arizona is one of the states that honors the federal upper age of 26, making it one of the more generous state programs in terms of age range. Arizona has extended foster care through age 21. Fostering Advocates Arizona provides free navigation assistance for ETV applicants statewide. Must have been in Arizona DCS custody. Arizona also has tribal foster care youth who may qualify through tribal ICWA cases — contact DCS for specifics.

How to Apply: Contact Arizona DCS Independent Living program or reach out to Fostering Advocates Arizona for free application support. Visit fosteringadvocatesarizona.org for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Contact: AZ DCS Independent Living | 602-771-5300 | Fostering Advocates AZ: fosteringadvocatesarizona.org

Colorado

Administering Agency: Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Foster Youth Programs and Services

Application Website: cdhe.colorado.gov/etv-program

Age Range: 16–26 (Colorado maintains the full federal upper age of 26)

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Colorado is notable for routing its ETV program through the higher education agency (CDHE) rather than the child welfare agency, similar to California’s model. This means the application process is oriented toward higher education enrollment and CDHE financial aid staff can assist with applications. Must have been in Colorado foster care on or after 16th birthday. Colorado also has a tuition waiver for former foster youth through Colorado Revised Statutes — ETV can complement the waiver. Colorado’s application portal is at highered.colorado.gov/programs-services/foster-youth-programs-and-services/etv-program. Income limit: 200% of the federal poverty level.

How to Apply: Apply at cdhe.colorado.gov/etv-program. The program runs on a standard federal fiscal year cycle. CDHE staff provide application support — contact them before the application opens to get on the notification list.

Contact: CDHE Foster Youth Programs | 303-862-3001 | cdhe.colorado.gov

Virginia

Administering Agency: Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Division of Family Services

Application Website: dss.virginia.gov/supporting-families/etv/

Age Range: 16–23

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Virginia VDSS administers ETV directly. Must have been in Virginia foster care. Virginia has extended foster care (Fostering Futures) through age 21. Funds are disbursed through local Department of Social Services offices at the city or county level. Virginia processes ETV applications on a rolling basis rather than a fixed annual window, but funds are capped — apply as early as possible in the fiscal year. Youth in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads metro areas have access to nonprofit ETV navigation services through regional foster youth advocacy organizations.

How to Apply: Contact your local Virginia DSS office or visit dss.virginia.gov/supporting-families/etv/ for application instructions. Have foster care verification and school enrollment documentation ready.

Contact: VDSS Customer Service | 800-552-3431 | dss.virginia.gov

Tennessee

Administering Agency: Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), Youth in Transition Program

Application Website: tn.gov/dcs

Age Range: 16–23

Annual Award Maximum: Up to $5,000

State-Specific Rules: Tennessee DCS administers ETV through its Youth in Transition program. Must have been in Tennessee DCS custody. Tennessee has extended foster care (“Tennessee Reconnect”) through age 21 for eligible youth, and ETV is accessible alongside those benefits. ETV applications in Tennessee are processed through regional DCS offices. The Tennessee Independent Living Program provides a broader set of supports that ETV sits within — youth working with a Youth in Transition specialist will receive ETV as part of a comprehensive service plan. Income limit: 200% of the federal poverty level.

How to Apply: Contact your regional Tennessee DCS Youth in Transition specialist. Former foster youth who no longer have an assigned specialist should call DCS central at 615-741-9701 and ask for the Independent Living/Youth in Transition program in their region.

Contact: Tennessee DCS | 615-741-9701 | tn.gov/dcs

Section 5: Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny ETV Applications

The vast majority of ETV denials and delays are preventable. The following mistakes account for most failed applications, based on patterns documented by youth-serving organizations including Foster Care to Success, FosterClub, and state independent living programs.

Mistake 1: Applying After the State’s Age Cutoff

The federal ceiling is 26, but most states cap ETV at 21 or 23. Many youth assume they have until 26 because they read federal guidance. In Texas, you lose eligibility at 26; in Florida and Ohio, the cutoff is 23. Look up your specific state’s cutoff in Section 4 above and put your last eligible date on your calendar. Apply at least 90 days before you hit the age ceiling so there is time to resolve any documentation issues.

Mistake 2: Enrolling in a Program Before Getting It Approved

This is the single most common reason ETV funds are denied for non-traditional programs (coding bootcamps, vocational certifications, professional training). The administering agency must verify that the program meets ETV eligibility criteria before you enroll. Submitting a post-enrollment approval request usually results in a denial. For any program that is not an accredited college or university, contact the state agency at least 60 days before your start date and request written pre-approval.

Mistake 3: Missing the Annual Renewal Deadline

ETV is not a one-time award. In most states, you must re-apply every year — often with updated enrollment verification, updated income documentation, and a new academic progress certification. Many states require the renewal application in the spring for the following fall semester. Missing the renewal deadline means you may lose funding for an entire academic year. Set a recurring calendar reminder for February 1 to check your state’s renewal deadline.

Mistake 4: Not Knowing Your State’s Age Cutoff — Or Your State

If you were in foster care in Texas but now live in California, you must apply to Texas DFPS. Applying to California will result in a denial because California has no record of your foster care case. Always apply to the state that held your case. If you are unsure which state administered your case (common for youth who moved between states), contact both states and request a records search. HHS ACF recommends contacting the state where you spent the most time in foster care if records are unclear.

Mistake 5: Incomplete Documentation

Missing even one required document — most commonly foster care placement verification — causes application holds that can delay funding for months. Request your foster care records proactively. In Texas, you can request your DFPS records at dfps.texas.gov. In California, contact your former county child welfare agency. Allow 30–60 days for records requests to be fulfilled.

Mistake 6: Assuming ETV Is Automatic

Some youth believe that aging out of foster care automatically enrolls them in ETV. It does not. You must actively apply every year, meet current eligibility requirements, be enrolled in an approved program, and submit required documentation on time. No state automatically applies ETV funds on a youth’s behalf.

Section 6: Using ETV With the Azgari Foundation

The Azgari Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, whose mission is providing free AI and digital skills job training to foster youth aging out of the foster care system. The Foundation’s programs are structured to qualify as ETV-eligible vocational and workforce training, meaning Texas ETV recipients (and ETV recipients in other states whose programs are pre-approved) can direct their annual ETV award toward Azgari Foundation training costs, technology equipment, and related living expenses during training.

How to Use ETV for Azgari Foundation Programs

1. Contact us first. Email clientsuccessteam@azgari.org visit azgari.org/apply/ to start an intake conversation. Let us know you are interested in applying ETV to your training.
2. Program approval. The Azgari Foundation will provide you with program documentation — including curriculum, cost schedule, and organizational credentials — to submit to your state ETV administering agency for pre-approval.
3. ETV application. Submit your ETV application to your state agency with the Azgari Foundation program listed as the intended program. Include the pre-approval documentation in your application packet.
4. Enrollment. Once ETV approval is confirmed in writing, complete your Azgari Foundation enrollment at azgari.org/apply/.
5. Disbursement. Depending on your state’s process, ETV funds are disbursed to the Foundation on your behalf or to you directly for approved program costs.

Because Azgari Foundation programs are designed for foster youth, our team is familiar with the ETV documentation process and can support you through each step. We work with youth across Texas and are expanding support for youth in other states. Contact us at clientsuccessteam@azgari.org with any questions.

Learn more about what the Azgari Foundation offers at azgari.org/programs/ and azgari.org/resources/.

Additional Resources

For more information about benefits available to foster youth, see these related guides:

• Chafee ETV Program: What It Is, How Much It Pays, and How to Apply (2026)
• Free Job Training Programs for Foster Youth: Complete 2026 Guide
• What to Do When You Age Out of Foster Care: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
• Texas Foster Youth Benefits: PALS, ETV, Medicaid, and Housing Programs (2026)
• Foster Youth Independent Living Resources: A Guide to Programs in Every State (2026)
• Foster Youth Housing Resources: Programs That Prevent Homelessness After 18 (2026)