Tool · CCDF eligibility

Childcare Subsidy Eligibility Calculator

According to the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices, sticker-price rank and income-share rank are different boards. This page estimates CCDF income eligibility against a state's FPL multiple; it is not an official determination and it is not a provider recommendation.

Data updated 2026-07-05

$9,592
National avg infant care / yr
15.2%
Of median household income
7%
HHS affordability line

Price rank is not burden rank

Wayne County, KY is #1 of 2,662 by center infant price at $4,704, but that listing is still 11.3% of local median income (#2,169 of 2,662). Piute County, UT leads the burden board at 35.7% while ranking #2,177 of 2,662 on price. San Francisco County, CA is the dollar last at $31,544 and only #116 on burden.

#1 of 2,662
Wayne County, KY cheapest sticker
#2,169
Wayne County, KY on the income-share board
35.7%
Piute County, UT, burden #1 of 2,662
#116
San Francisco County, CA on burden despite $31,544

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau, National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). This CCDF estimate uses a simplified state FPL multiple; actual eligibility is set by the state agency.

See our methodology for how these estimates are calculated. This tool gives an estimate, not an official eligibility determination.

How this estimate works

  1. 1

    We size the poverty line

    Your family size sets the 2024 federal poverty level (FPL) for your state, Alaska and Hawaii use higher figures.

  2. 2

    We compare to your state's CCDF limit

    Most states set the CCDF income ceiling between 200% and 250% of FPL. The estimate compares household income to that state's threshold.

  3. 3

    We weigh local care costs

    Using NDCP prices for your state, we estimate annual care cost and show it against the HHS 7%-of-income affordability line.

Final eligibility depends on your state's specific rules, fund availability, and a qualifying reason for care. For an official determination, contact your state's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2024 Federal Poverty Level guidelines and general state CCDF income thresholds. Actual eligibility varies by state and may depend on additional factors including work/education status, child age, citizenship, and available funding. Contact your state childcare assistance agency for official eligibility determination. Childcare cost estimates use state-level averages and actual costs vary by provider, county, and care type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CCDF childcare subsidy?
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program administered by states that helps low-income families pay for childcare. Eligible families receive vouchers or direct payments to providers, reducing out-of-pocket childcare costs. Each state sets its own income limits, typically between 200-250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
How is eligibility determined?
CCDF eligibility is primarily based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or State Median Income (SMI). Most states set their income threshold between 200% and 250% of FPL. Families must also have a qualifying reason for childcare (employment, education, or training) and children must be under age 13 (or under 19 with special needs).
Is this calculator an official eligibility determination?
No. This tool provides an estimate based on federal guidelines and state-level thresholds. Actual eligibility depends on your state's specific rules, local availability of funds, waitlist status, and additional factors like work requirements. Contact your state's childcare assistance agency for an official determination.
What does the 7% affordability threshold mean?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's household income. Families paying more than 7% face a disproportionate financial burden. The HHS threshold is used to assess whether childcare costs are reasonable relative to family resources.
Why do income limits vary by state?
Each state administers its own CCDF program with flexibility to set income thresholds. Some states use a percentage of State Median Income (SMI), while others use FPL multiples. States with higher costs of living (like California, New York, and Massachusetts) tend to set higher income limits to account for local economic conditions.

Sources: HHS Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (2024), HHS Office of Child Care CCDF Program. State thresholds are approximations.