According to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, or NACCRRA, child care costs are often higher than a family's expenses for food and other needs. Depending on your state, you may be eligible for help with these costs. Eligibility depends on the number of people living in your household, the number of children you have that need child care services, and your income. You may be limited to certain providers if you are on a child care subsidy program.
Step 1
Contact your state's Department of Human Services, Department of Public Welfare or similar agency to ask about your income requirements for receiving subsidized child care. In some states, families on the Welfare to Work program are automatically eligible. Check to see whether your income falls within the guidelines.
Step 2
Choose a child care provider. Depending on your state's requirements, this may be a day care center or a private home, including that of a friend, neighbor or relative. The provider will need to participate in the subsidy program. If she does not, ask if she will consider joining the program so you can use her services. If you choose an individual, she will need to have a background check, says the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
Step 3
Complete the application process for your state. This may require documentation that you work a certain number of hours, proof of income, and paperwork from your chosen child care provider.
Step 4
Wait for your state to approve the paperwork. There may have a waiting list if more people ask for help than what the state has budgeted for child care costs.
Step 5
Pay your co-payment, or parental fee, on time once you begin receiving your subsidy. The co-payment is the amount of money you must pay your child care provider each month. This amount will depend on your state, your income, your family's size and the number of children that you have in child care.
Tips and Warnings
- If your income level changes while you are on a child care subsidy program, contact the state agency responsible for the program.
