Childcare costs can take up a significant part of a family's budget. Parents may need reliable childcare to work, attend school, search for employment, or manage other family responsibilities.
Families experiencing financial hardship may qualify for programs that reduce childcare costs or provide access to free or low-cost early learning services. Assistance may come from government agencies, local organizations, childcare providers, and other community resources.
In the United States, options may include childcare subsidies, vouchers, Head Start, Early Head Start, state-funded preschool, and certain tax benefits. Eligibility depends on factors such as income, family size, the child's age, work or school activities, and where the family lives.
Who May Qualify for Help Paying for Child Care?
Eligibility requirements vary by program and location. Some programs focus on low-income families, while others support parents who work, attend school, participate in job training, or meet other requirements. Families who may qualify include:
- Low-income parents with young children
- Single parents struggling with childcare costs
- Families with two working parents
- Parents attending college or vocational training
- Parents looking for work
- Families receiving qualifying public benefits
- Parents returning to work after having a child
- Families experiencing financial hardship
- Military families who qualify for childcare assistance
- Families seeking affordable preschool or early learning services
Check What You May Qualify For
OpenGrants Network can help you explore potential assistance based on your circumstances.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Programs vary based on income, family size, location, employment or education status, and children's ages.
Types of Assistance for Paying for Child Care
Childcare Subsidies and Vouchers
Many states and territories offer childcare financial assistance to eligible families with low incomes. Depending on the program, assistance may come as vouchers, certificates, or subsidies that cover part or all of an approved provider's fees. Some programs require parents to work, attend school, or participate in an approved activity. Income limits, application procedures, and waiting lists vary by location. Families should also confirm that their chosen childcare provider accepts the assistance.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start provide early learning and development services for eligible children at no cost to participating families. Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers from birth through age 3, while Head Start generally serves children ages 3 to 5. These programs may also connect families with resources supporting children's health, development, and family well-being.
State-Funded Preschool
Some states offer public preschool programs for children, generally ages 3 to 5. Depending on the state and program, preschool may be free or available at a reduced cost. Availability, schedules, and eligibility requirements vary, and some programs operate part-day while others offer longer schedules.
Childcare Assistance for Military Families
Eligible military families may have access to military-operated childcare, fee assistance, or other programs that reduce childcare costs. Requirements depend on military status, service branch, and the specific program.
Employer Childcare Benefits
Some employers offer childcare benefits, on-site childcare, provider discounts, or dependent care flexible spending accounts. These benefits can help eligible employees manage childcare expenses. Ask your employer's human resources department which benefits are available and what rules apply.
Childcare Scholarships and Local Discounts
Some childcare centers, nonprofit organizations, colleges, and community groups offer scholarships, reduced fees, or other assistance to families experiencing financial hardship. Ask childcare providers whether they have financial assistance programs, sibling discounts, payment plans, or partnerships with local organizations.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Benefits
Eligible taxpayers may be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit for qualifying childcare expenses that allow them to work or look for work. Certain employer-sponsored dependent care benefits may also reduce childcare costs. Tax benefits have specific requirements, and eligibility depends on the taxpayer's circumstances. Review current IRS guidance or consult a qualified tax professional before claiming a benefit.
What If You Cannot Afford Childcare?
If childcare costs are beyond your budget, you may still have options even if you do not qualify for a particular subsidy. Consider exploring:
- Head Start or Early Head Start
- Public preschool programs
- State childcare assistance
- Nonprofit childcare scholarships
- Community organizations
- Employer childcare benefits
- College or university childcare services
- Provider payment plans or discounts
- Family resource centers
- Other local assistance programs
Some families may also qualify for food, housing, utility, or cash assistance that helps free up money for childcare expenses.
How to Find Help Paying for Child Care
- Identify your childcare expenses. Calculate your weekly or monthly childcare costs, including registration fees, meals, transportation, and additional charges.
- Check your household income. Many childcare assistance programs have income requirements. Gather recent income information before checking eligibility.
- Confirm your child's age. Some programs serve infants and toddlers, while others focus on preschool-aged or school-aged children.
- Review your work or school circumstances. Check whether the program requires you to work, attend school, look for employment, or participate in an approved activity.
- Find your state's childcare assistance program. Use ChildCare.gov to locate your state or territory's childcare resources and financial assistance information.
- Ask about vouchers and subsidies. Contact the relevant state or local agency to learn about available assistance, application requirements, and waiting lists.
- Explore Head Start and Early Head Start. Check whether your child may qualify for free early learning and development services.
- Ask childcare providers about discounts. Some providers offer scholarships, sibling discounts, reduced fees, or payment arrangements.
- Gather the required documents. Depending on the program, you may need identification, proof of income, residency information, your child's birth information, and evidence of work or school activities.
- Apply for more than one suitable program. Different programs have different requirements. Exploring multiple options can help you find an appropriate solution sooner.