Do I Qualify?

Is Child Care Subsidy an Option for My Family?

To qualify for the child care subsidy program, a family needs to meet both the situational and financial criteria.

Situational Criteria

You may be eligible to receive child care assistance if one or more of the following situations apply to your family:

• You are worrking or are attempting to find work through the Work First Family Assistance Program
• You are in school or in a job training program
• Your child is receiving
  child protective servicesSubsidy policies are very different for situations where care is needed to support child protective services or child welfare services. You should call your County Child Care Contact for more information.
• Your child needs care to support
  child welfare servicesSubsidy policies are very different for situations where care is needed to support child protective services or child welfare services. You should call your County Child Care Contact for more information.
  or if your family is experiencing a crisis
• Your child has developmental needs

Financial Criteria 

Most families, including those receiving Work First Family Assistance , are required to pay a percentage of their child care costs based upon their gross monthly income. The percentage is 10%, if applicable.

Using the table below, you can determine whether you may meet the financial criteria to receive child care subsidy. If you meet the financial criteria, you can estimate your child care subsidy costs.

The Initial Maximum Income Eligibility Limits for Subsidized Child Care Assistance changed on July 01, 2022.

200% Federal Poverty Level – used at initial application

(All children ages 0-5, and All children with special needs)

133% Federal Poverty Level – used at initial application

(All children ages 6-12, No children with special needs)

The Continued Maximum Income Eligibility Limits for Subsidized Child Care Assistance effective July 01, 2022.

85% State Median Income – used when a family has in increase in income while receiving subsidized child care assistance.

(All children ages 0-12)

During your certification period if your income increases above the 85% SMI limit for your family size please report the increase to your child care worker.