Child Care Subsidy Eligibility Calculator

Check your eligibility for federal and state child care assistance programs, including CCDF, Head Start, and more.

1. Household Info

Disclaimer: Most states require 20-30 hours of work/school per week for eligibility.

2. About You

By Clicking Check My Eligibility and Email me the Results, I state that I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions. I also understand that these results are preliminary estimates only; final eligibility is determined solely by the respective state or federal program administrators upon formal application.

Your Income Profile

Vs. Federal Poverty Level (FPL) --% 100% FPL: --/mo
Vs. State Median Income (SMI) --% Est. 85% SMI: --/mo
Popular Public Child Care Assistance Programs

Potential Assistance Programs

The Ultimate State-by-State Guide to Child Care Subsidies

Navigating child care assistance can be confusing. Every state runs its own program with unique names and income limits. Use our guide below to find your state's specific details.

State Program Name Income Limit (Family of 3) Action

📊 Understanding Eligibility: SMI vs. FPL

Most subsidy programs use one of two benchmarks. Understanding these is the first step to approval.

Benchmark Used By
FPL (Federal Poverty Level) Head Start, SNAP, WIC
SMI (State Median Income) State Vouchers (CCDF)

*SMI is often more generous in high-cost states like CA or NY.

🛠ïļ 5-Step Application Roadmap

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Use our calculator to check if you qualify based on income.
  2. Gather Docs: Pay stubs, proof of residency, and birth certificates.
  3. Apply Online: Use the links in our State Guide above.
  4. Waitlist Check: Ask about priority status (e.g., for homeless or special needs).
  5. Pick Provider: Find a licensed center that accepts vouchers.

🎖ïļ Military Families

The MCCYN program provides fee assistance for families who cannot access on-base care. Eligibility is based on Total Family Income (TFI).

ðŸŠķ Tribal Assistance

Over 150 Tribes receive federal grants to provide child care assistance specifically for Native American families.

🎓 Student Parents

The CCAMPIS program supports low-income parents enrolled in college. Check with your university's financial aid office.

âģ Navigating the Waitlist

In many states, being "eligible" doesn't mean you get a voucher immediately. Waitlists can range from a few months to over a year. Top Tip: Always update the agency if your income drops or your family situation changes (e.g., becoming a student or moving), as this may move you up the priority list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a child care voucher and a subsidy?

These terms are often used interchangeably. A subsidy is the general term for financial assistance. A voucher is the specific document or authorization you receive that you can use to pay for care at a provider of your choice.

How long does the application process take?

From submitting your application to getting an approval can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on your state's processing times. If there is a waitlist, it could take several months.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to receive assistance?

No. To receive CCDF-funded child care, only the child receiving the assistance must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen. The parents' immigration status does not determine eligibility.

How often do I have to re-certify?

Federal rules require states to provide eligibility periods of at least 12 months. This means that once you are approved, your eligibility is protected for at least one year.