DCF Post-Secondary Education Support (Community Housing Assistance Program, CHAP)
Connecticut Department of Children and Families
Housing, living stipends and post-secondary education funding for young people who were in DCF care at 18 and go on to college or vocational training.
- How much
- Housing and living support plus education costs up to DCF's annual post-secondary education funding limit (limit not published)
- Who qualifies
- Foster youth: committed to DCF (abused, neglected or uncared for) on 18th birthday
- High school diploma or GED; completed or taking a DCF-approved life skills program; approved Post-Secondary Education Plan; enrolled and in good standing in an educational or vocational program. Support to age 21, to 23 by waiver. Young adults who left care can apply to re-enter ages 18-21 if they were in DCF care at 18.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed window; plan with DCF before age 18 (re-entry possible ages 18-21).
- How to apply
- Work with your DCF social worker / Transitional Supports and Success staff: sign the DCF-779 'Agreement for Services Post Majority' before turning 18, get a Post-Secondary Education Plan approved by a DCF PSE consultant, and submit a referral packet for approval by the DCF Central Office CHAP Coordinator
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (portal.ct.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Connecticut DCF's Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) supports young people committed to DCF (abused, neglected or uncared for) as of their 18th birthday who pursue post-secondary education or vocational training, up to age 21 (age 23 with a waiver). Support includes apartments, boarding or on-campus dorms; a one-time apartment deposit; up to $2,000 for furniture and $500 for housewares; food vouchers; and a monthly stipend. DCF policy keeps separate budgets for tuition and room and board within an annual post-secondary education (PSE) funding limit, which is not published. Separate from the federal Education and Training Voucher (ETV), up to $5,000 a year, which DCF also runs.
More money from Connecticut
- Roberta B. Willis Scholarship – Need and Merit-Based ScholarshipUp to $5,250 a year for a four-year program; up to $4,650 a year for a two-year program
- Roberta B. Willis Scholarship – Need-Based GrantUp to $4,500 for full-time study (part-time prorated)
- CHESLA Opportunity Scholarship$3,000 full-time; $1,500 at least half-time
- CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship$3,000 full-time; $1,500 at least half-time
- CHESLA Certificate Scholarship$1,250
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.