Child care subsidies are funded largely by the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and run by each state, which sets its own income limits, work requirements and copayments. Federal rules cap initial eligibility at 85% of the state median income, and many states set lower limits.
| State | Main program |
|---|---|
| Texas | Child Care Services (CCS), Texas Workforce Commission |
| California | CalWORKs Child Care and the Alternative Payment Program, CDSS |
| New York | Child Care Assistance Program, OCFS and local social services districts |
| Pennsylvania | Child Care Works, Pennsylvania DHS |
| Illinois | Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) |
| Michigan | Child Development and Care (CDC) program |
| Florida | School Readiness, through early learning coalitions |
| New Jersey | Child Care Assistance Program, New Jersey Department of Human Services |
| Washington | Working Connections Child Care, DCYF |
| Massachusetts | Child Care Financial Assistance, EEC |
How eligibility usually works
- The child is under 13 (older for children with disabilities).
- Parents work, train or attend school a minimum number of hours.
- Family income is under the state limit for its size.
- Families pay a copayment based on income.
Two examples with official rules
- Texas CCS: income at or below 85% of state median income, and at least 25 hours a week of work or school for a single parent, 50 combined for two parents (40 TAC §§ 809.41 and 809.48).
- Florida School Readiness: gross income at or below 55% of state median income, with a copayment (Florida Department of Education).
Also see free pre-K options in pre-K, VPK and TK.
We are an independent guide, not a government website. Verify licensing with the state before you enroll: each state page links to the official search.