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Child Care Affordability Calculator

Estimate your eligibility for your state's child care subsidy, state pre-K, and the state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. All results are estimates — eligibility is determined by your state agency.

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Total pre-tax earnings. Income limits vary by household size, so both numbers matter.

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Pre-filled with the Washington state average — type your provider's actual rate to personalize

How these programs work

Three separate programs help families pay for child care. They operate independently but can be stacked — using all three together produces the biggest savings.

Child Care Subsidy

CCDF — Child Care and Development Fund

Every state runs a subsidy program funded in part by the federal government. If your income is below your state's limit, you pay a sliding-scale copay each month — often capped around 7% of your household income. Your state pays your provider the rest directly. You don't receive money; the payment goes state-to-daycare.

Key fact: The subsidy typically saves families $6,000–$10,000 per year compared to paying full price.

Tax Credit

Federal CDCC — Child and Dependent Care Credit

This is a credit on your federal tax return — not a subsidy. You claim child care expenses you actually paid, and the IRS reduces your tax bill by 20–35% of those expenses (more for lower incomes). The eligible expense cap is $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more. If you received a subsidy, you can only claim expenses you paid — not what the state covered.

Key fact: Most families receive $600–$1,200 from this credit. It reduces your tax bill — it is not a refund.

Free Pre-K

State Pre-K Programs

State pre-K programs are separate from the child care subsidy. They're typically part-day, school-year programs for 3 and 4 year olds. Some states offer them universally (no income test), others target lower-income families, and some have limited pilot programs with limited slots. Pre-K doesn't replace full-time child care — CCDF can also cover before- and after-school hours.

Key fact: Even in states without universal pre-K, your child may qualify for free Head Start (for families near or below the poverty line).

Stacking all three produces the biggest savings

If you qualify for the subsidy, your out-of-pocket drops sharply. The tax credit then applies to whatever you still pay (your copay), saving another 20–35%. On top of that, a dependent care FSA from your employer lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax — reducing your taxable income further. The calculator shows the combined effect in the Subsidy + tax credits row.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions parents ask about child care financial assistance.

What if I'm just over the income limit?↓
Apply anyway — income limits are updated each year and you may qualify in the next cycle. Also check whether your state has a separate continuing eligibility threshold: once enrolled, many families can stay on the program even as income rises, up to a second higher ceiling. The calculator shows both numbers when they differ. See income limits and waitlist status for your state →
Can I get the subsidy and the tax credit at the same time?↓
Yes, but the tax credit only applies to what you personally paid. If the state covered $900/month and your copay was $150, your eligible credit expenses are $1,800 for the year — not the full cost of care. The calculator accounts for this in the Subsidy + tax credits row.
What does a waitlist mean in practice?↓
You meet the income eligibility test, but your state doesn't have enough funding to serve everyone who qualifies right now. Your waitlist position is based on the date you applied, not when you need care — so apply as soon as you think you might qualify. Wait times vary widely: some states process within weeks, others have multi-year backlogs. In the meantime, check whether your child qualifies for Head Start (free, no copay) or your state's pre-K program. Check current waitlist status for your state →
Does the subsidy work at any daycare?↓
Only with licensed providers that are enrolled in your state's CCDF program. Most licensed child care centers participate; family home providers typically need to be licensed and registered with the state. Ask any provider you're considering before you apply — if they don't accept the subsidy, it won't help you there. Search licensed daycares in your state →
What happens if my income changes after I enroll?↓
You're required to report income changes to your caseworker. Here's what most parents don't realize: states set two separate income thresholds. The entry ceiling is the income limit to start the program. The continuing (or exit) ceiling is a second, higher limit — once enrolled, your income can rise above the entry ceiling and you stay on the program until it crosses this second higher number. Federal law requires states to set the exit threshold above the entry threshold. In Georgia, for example, the entry ceiling for a family of 3 is about $26,500, but the exit ceiling is $79,000 — so a raise from $28,000 to $50,000 wouldn't cause you to lose benefits. This is intentional: it prevents families from losing help the moment they get a small raise. Find entry and exit ceilings for your state →
What is a dependent care FSA, and how does it compare to the tax credit?↓
A dependent care FSA (flexible spending account) lets you set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax through your employer each year for child care. The money comes out of your paycheck before income taxes, saving you roughly your marginal tax rate — typically 22 to 24 cents per dollar. It stacks on top of both the subsidy and the federal tax credit. Not all employers offer one; check with HR during open enrollment.
What is Head Start, and do I qualify?↓
Head Start is a free federal program for children ages 3 to 5 from families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (roughly $32,150 for a family of 4 in 2025). Early Head Start covers birth to age 3. It is free with no copay and includes health, nutrition, and family support services. Use the federal Head Start locator to find programs near you, or search all licensed providers by state →

What to do next

1

Check your eligibility above and note your state's program name and application link. See full income limits, waitlist status, and copay rules for your state →

2

Apply early. Even if there's a waitlist, your position is based on your application date — not when you actually need care. Apply as soon as you think you might qualify.

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Ask your daycare if they accept the subsidy before enrolling. Providers must be licensed and enrolled in your state's CCDF program. Use Childery to find your state's program details.

4

Search for daycares in your state. Once you know what you qualify for, compare licensed providers by quality rating, age range, and location. Browse state daycare directories ↗

5

Check your employee benefits for a dependent care FSA during open enrollment. It stacks on top of any subsidy and saves you at your marginal tax rate on up to $5,000 per year.

6

File IRS Form 2441 with your tax return each year to claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit on any out-of-pocket child care expenses.

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If your income is near the poverty line, check whether a Head Start or Early Head Start program serves your area — it's free with no copay. Federal Head Start locator ↗