Childcare can be one of the largest expenses for families, especially for parents who are working, attending school, or looking for employment.
While there is not usually a single federal grant that gives every parent cash for childcare, families may qualify for childcare subsidies, vouchers, scholarships, state assistance, or other programs that help pay participating childcare providers. Eligibility varies by state and household circumstances.
Who May Qualify for Childcare Assistance?
Depending on the program, parents may qualify if they:
- Have a low or moderate household income
- Are working or looking for work
- Are attending school or job training
- Receive certain public benefits
- Have children who need regular childcare
- Are experiencing financial hardship
- Are members of a military family
- Have a child who qualifies for Head Start or Early Head Start
Each state establishes its own requirements for many childcare assistance programs, so income limits, copayments, approved providers, and application procedures can differ.
Check What You May Qualify For
If childcare costs are putting pressure on your household budget, you may have assistance options based on your income, location, employment or education status, and family circumstances.
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Programs vary by eligibility, location, household circumstances, and the type of childcare assistance available.
Types of Childcare Assistance for Parents
Childcare Subsidies and Vouchers
State and local programs can provide childcare assistance to eligible families through vouchers, subsidies, scholarships, or other forms of financial support.
These programs can help parents pay an approved childcare provider while they work, attend school, or participate in qualifying activities. Requirements and available providers vary by state.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start provides free early learning and development services for eligible children.
Traditional Head Start generally serves children ages 3 to 5, while Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 3. Local organizations and school districts operate programs.
Children may qualify based on family income, and some children can qualify regardless of income if they are in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or their family receives certain public benefits such as TANF, SSI, or SNAP.
TANF Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is a federally funded but state-run program that can help qualifying families with expenses including childcare.
Because each state operates its own TANF program, eligibility and benefits vary.
Military Childcare Assistance
Military families may have access to military-operated childcare and childcare financial assistance programs. Eligibility depends on military status, family circumstances, and the particular program.
Local Scholarships and Community Assistance
Some local organizations, nonprofits, employers, and community programs may offer childcare scholarships or other assistance.
These opportunities can be limited and may have their own application deadlines and eligibility requirements.
How Childcare Assistance Typically Works
- Identify your childcare costs. Determine how much you currently pay or expect to pay.
- Check your state childcare program. State agencies administer many childcare assistance programs.
- Check eligibility requirements. Income, employment, education, family size, and other factors may matter.
- Find approved providers. Some subsidies can only be used with participating childcare providers.
- Submit an application. You may need proof of income, employment, school enrollment, residency, and information about your children.
- Ask about other programs. If you do not qualify for one program, you may qualify for Head Start, TANF, local assistance, or another resource.
USAGov's Benefit Finder can also help families search across government benefit categories, including children and families, food, healthcare, housing, and financial assistance.
What If I Cannot Afford Childcare Right Now?
If childcare costs are already causing a financial problem, do not assume you have to wait until you are completely unable to pay.
Contact your state's childcare assistance agency and ask about current subsidy programs, waiting lists, participating providers, and emergency or temporary assistance where available.
You can also contact a local Head Start program or community organization. If your household is experiencing broader financial hardship, programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or other benefits may reduce other expenses and free up money for childcare.