Child Care Assistance Eligibility

Child care is one of the most challenging costs for growing families. On this page, we'll explain who is eligible for child care assistance and how you can get help today.

Eligible families may receive assistance for the cost of child care services for children under the age of 13 and children with disabilities up to the age of 18.

Financial eligibility is based on your family size and gross monthly income, which is defined as your income before taxes. That includes employment income, child support, cash assistance, social security, disability, etc. Applicants may be required to pay a co-payment based on gross monthly income and family size.

Visit the State of Ohio's eligibility calculator. This calculator allows you to put in details about your household, family and income and checks for eligibility.

Eligibility Calculator

What Is Your Household Income?

New applicants must have a gross monthly household income of less than 145% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to be considered for child care assistance. Existing recipients must have a gross household income of less than 300% of the FPL to continue receiving assistance. The gross household income limit for transitional or special need eligibility is 150% of the FPL.

Maximum Monthly Income Limit

Family Size	2024 Federal Poverty Level (100%)	Initial Eligibility (145%)	Transitional and Special Need Eligibility (150%)	Eligibility for other programs (200%)	Ongoing Eligibility (300%)
2	$1,704	$2,470	$2556	$3,407	$5,112
3	$2,152	$3,120	$3,228	$4,303	$6,456
4	$2,600	$3,770	$3,900	$5,200	$7,800
5	$3,049	$4,420	$4,574	$6,097	$9,147

Apply for Child Care Assistance

Important! Even if you are over the income limit, meaning you make too much, you may still qualify through our other programs. Fill out the application and we can determine your eligibility for other programs.