Childcare Subsidy & Eligibility Calculator
Find out in seconds whether you likely qualify for help paying for childcare in your state — and, if you do, roughly how much you would pay out of pocket each month. Everything runs privately on your phone or computer; nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Updated June 18, 2026.
Your data is completely private. Everything is calculated on your device. We do not store or share your financial information with any government agency.
Tell us about your family
Your result
Fill in the form and tap See if I qualify. Your answer appears here instantly and privately — nothing is sent anywhere.
How this tool works
This estimator does three things. First, it works out your income as a share of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level for your household size and state. Second, it compares that share against your state’s typical income limit for childcare assistance (most states fall between 150% and 250% of the poverty level; New Mexico goes higher). Third, if you are under the limit, it applies a sliding scale to estimate the small monthly share most families pay — roughly 1% to 10% of income, lower if you earn less — and shows what the subsidy could cover toward your provider’s bill.
What you might pay — and what the state covers
State childcare subsidies (funded largely through the federal Child Care and Development Fund, or CCDF) are designed so that a family’s own contribution stays affordable. The federal benchmark for "affordable" is about 7% of household income, and most state sliding scales keep family shares in the low single digits for the lowest earners. The subsidy pays the provider the difference, up to your state’s maximum rate. If your provider charges more than that maximum, you may owe a little extra on top of your share — the application will tell you the exact figures for your county and provider.
2026 poverty guidelines & common income limits (per month)
For the 48 contiguous states and DC. Alaska and Hawaii use higher figures, which the calculator applies automatically when you pick those states. The columns show the monthly gross income at each common eligibility band.
| Household size | 100% FPL (yearly) | 150% FPL /mo | 200% FPL /mo | 250% FPL /mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $1,995 | $2,660 | $3,325 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $2,705 | $3,607 | $4,508 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $3,415 | $4,553 | $5,692 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $4,125 | $5,500 | $6,875 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $4,835 | $6,447 | $8,058 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $5,545 | $7,393 | $9,242 |
If you are over the limit
Being over your state’s subsidy limit does not mean you are out of options. The lowest-income families may qualify for free Head Start / Early Head Start. A workplace Dependent Care FSA lets you pay up to $5,000 a year of childcare with pre-tax dollars. The federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit returns part of your costs at tax time. Many providers offer sibling discounts or their own sliding scales, and because state funding and limits change, it can still be worth joining the waitlist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I qualify for childcare help?
Most states offer childcare financial assistance (often called CCDF subsidies, vouchers, or scholarships) to working families whose income is below a set limit — commonly around 150% to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, depending on the state. This tool compares your household income to your state’s typical limit and gives you a likely yes/no, then links you to your state’s official application to confirm.
What would I actually pay each month?
If you qualify, you usually pay a small family share (sometimes called a co-pay) on a sliding scale — roughly 1% to 10% of your income, lower if you earn less. The state subsidy covers most of the remaining cost up to the provider’s rate. This tool estimates your monthly share so you can plan.
Is my information private?
Yes. The calculation happens entirely on your device. Your income and family details are never saved, never sent to us, and never shared with any government agency. You can use it anonymously.
What if my income is over the limit?
You may still have options: free Head Start / Early Head Start for the lowest-income families, a Dependent Care FSA through an employer (pay with pre-tax dollars), the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, sibling discounts, and state waitlists you can join in case a spot opens. The tool points you to these.
How accurate is this estimate?
It is a planning estimate, not an official decision. States set exact rules against State Median Income and consider work or school activity, family size, and other factors. Always confirm with your state’s program using the link the tool gives you — only they can approve your benefit.
Do I need to be working or in school?
Usually yes. Most states require parents to be working, looking for work, in job training, or in school to receive a childcare subsidy. Some states also serve children in protective services or with special needs regardless of activity. Check your state’s requirements on the application page.
Sources: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines); Office of Child Care, Administration for Children & Families (CCDF). Eligibility figures are estimates; your state program makes the final decision.