See details for your state

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

BenefitChildcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, and US territories

What you get

CCDF provides childcare subsidies to low-income working families to help cover the cost of quality care for children up to age 13, or up to age 19 for children with special needs. Families typically pay an income-based copayment while the subsidy covers the balance. Parents must be working, in school, or in job training.

Help paying for child care, meals, or services so parents and caregivers can work, study, or stabilize care.

Ask whether your provider needs to be approved before benefits can be paid.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you a child under 13 years old?
Parent or guardian must be working, attending school, or participating in a job training program?
Family income typically must be at or below 85% of state median income?
Family must be unable to afford childcare without assistance?
Child must be a US citizen or qualifying non-citizen?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1CCDF application at your state lead agency (typically the state child care or human services department — each state has its own form)
2Proof of income: pay stubs (last 30 days), employer letter, or benefit award letters for all household income
3Proof of work, school enrollment, or job training activity: employer letter with hours worked, school enrollment verification
4Child's birth certificate
5Proof of child care need: enrollment letter or contract from the licensed child care provider
6Social Security numbers for parent(s) and child(ren)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the child care assistance office that handles Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

Without CCDF, a single parent would spend over 30% of income on childcare in most states.

People helped

1.4 million families

receiving subsidized childcare

Annual federal budget

$11.7 billion

Average benefit

Childcare subsidy covering most or all of childcare costs

Established

1990

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Education

CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School

Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

U.S. Department of Defense

DoD Child Care Fee Assistance

See details for your state

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

BenefitChildcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, and US territories

What you get

Help paying for child care, meals, or services so parents and caregivers can work, study, or stabilize care.

Ask whether your provider needs to be approved before benefits can be paid.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you a child under 13 years old?
Parent or guardian must be working, attending school, or participating in a job training program?
Family income typically must be at or below 85% of state median income?
Family must be unable to afford childcare without assistance?
Child must be a US citizen or qualifying non-citizen?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1CCDF application at your state lead agency (typically the state child care or human services department — each state has its own form)
2Proof of income: pay stubs (last 30 days), employer letter, or benefit award letters for all household income
3Proof of work, school enrollment, or job training activity: employer letter with hours worked, school enrollment verification
4Child's birth certificate
5Proof of child care need: enrollment letter or contract from the licensed child care provider
6Social Security numbers for parent(s) and child(ren)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the child care assistance office that handles Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

Without CCDF, a single parent would spend over 30% of income on childcare in most states.

People helped

1.4 million families

receiving subsidized childcare

Annual federal budget

$11.7 billion

Average benefit

Childcare subsidy covering most or all of childcare costs

Established

1990

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Education

CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School

Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

U.S. Department of Defense

DoD Child Care Fee Assistance