Overview
For tax year 2022 forward, the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) provides up to $1,083 per eligible individual or up to $2,166 if both primary taxpayer and spouse/RDP qualify.
Current and former foster youth must meet all of the following requirements:
- Qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
- Were ages 18 to 25 at the end of the tax year
- Were in California foster care at age 13 or older and placed through the California foster care system
- Claim the credit on the 2022 FTB 3514 form, California Earned Income Tax Credit, or follow the instructions on your tax software
- Satisfy foster care verification requirement
Verify Your Foster Youth Status
Your foster youth status will be verified in one of three ways:
- Check the consent box on line 33 of the FTB 3514 form, or follow the instructions specific to your tax software. Providing this consent allows the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to attempt to verify your foster youth status using a statewide database.
- Add your foster youth verification letter when paper filing, or upload the letter (if possible) when e-filing.
- If neither option one or two of this list applies, FTB will mail you a letter requesting that you provide verification.
Check if You Qualify
Visit our CalEITC homepage to learn more about this credit, related credits you may qualify for, and to use our EITC calculator to estimate your credit.
How to Claim
Filing your state tax return is required to claim this credit.
If paper filing, download, complete, and include with your California tax return:
Foster Youth Status Questions
For questions on your status as a foster youth at or after age 13, contact CDSS.
Phone
(916) 651-8848
Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Email
piar@dss.ca.gov
cdss.osi@dss.ca.gov (out-of-state inquiries)
Mail
California Department of Social Services
744 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814