U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What it may cover
Varies
Enrollment
Open enrollment
Where available
Check locally
What you get
States use a portion of their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds to provide child care assistance to current TANF recipients and to low-income families transitioning off TANF, helping parents maintain employment. Unlike the Child Care and Development Fund, TANF child care assistance is not subject to federal child care regulations and eligibility criteria, so benefits, funding levels, and rules vary considerably by state. Some states transfer TANF funds to their CCDF program; others operate separate TANF-funded child care programs.
Help paying for child care, meals, or services so parents and caregivers can work, study, or stabilize care.
Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.
Household income requirement
This program has income limits. Tell us your household size and income so we can check for you.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.
Processing time varies by location and program funding.
Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.
Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.