Does the Government Help Pay for Child Care?
Federal and state programs help many families pay for child care. Here are the main ones, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Updated
This guide is informational and is not professional advice.
Category: costs-and-payment · Updated 2026
Many families assume they earn too much or do not know where to start, and never claim the child care help available to them. Several programs exist: the Child Care and Development Fund, state pre-kindergarten, Head Start, and tax credits. Each has its own eligibility rules, and a family can sometimes combine them. Understanding the landscape prevents surprise bills.
The Child Care and Development Fund
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is the main federal program that helps low-income families pay for child care. States administer it with federal money and set their own income limits, copayments, and provider rules. A family generally must be working, in training, or in school to qualify. See CCDF Subsidies and Child Care Assistance.
Head Start and pre-kindergarten
Head Start provides free early learning and family services to eligible children, and Early Head Start serves pregnant people and children under three. Many states also fund pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds, sometimes at no cost. See Preschool or Head Start: How They Differ.
Tax credits and employer help
The federal child and dependent care tax credit reduces taxes based on child care expenses, and many employers offer a dependent care flexible spending account that lets you pay with pre-tax dollars. These do not pay the provider directly, but they lower the real cost. Check both when you build your budget.
How to apply
- Contact your state or local child care subsidy office.
- Gather proof of income, work or school, and your child's information.
- Ask about waitlists and how to check your position.
- Confirm which providers accept the subsidy before you enroll.
Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care; ChildCare.gov; Office of Head Start.
Related guides
- CCDF Subsidies and Child Care Assistance
- What Child Care Costs
- Preschool or Head Start: How They Differ
- Paying for Child Care: Budgeting and Alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Do subsidies cover the full cost of care?
Can I choose any provider with a subsidy?
What if there is a waitlist?
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
Data sources
ChildCare.gov · ChildCare.gov state licensing directory. This guide is informational and is not professional advice. Data as of 2026-10-07.
Required disclosures
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