CCDF — Child Care and Development Fund
A federal program that provides subsidies to help low- and moderate-income families pay for child care while parents work, attend school.
Official source: acf.hhs.gov
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program that helps low- and moderate-income families pay for child care while parents work or go to school. Each state runs its own CCDF program, so eligibility and the amount of help can be different depending on where you live.
Families usually need to pay a small part of the child care cost, called a co-payment, which is based on their income. The CCDF then pays the rest of the cost directly to the child care provider. Families that have the most need, such as those experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, or families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), get priority for these funds.
To find out if you qualify and to learn more about the benefits available in your area, contact your state child care agency or use BenefitKarma's Find Benefits tool for local resources.
In real life
- A parent gets help paying for child care so they can work to support their family.
- Some families get money to help them pay for a safe place for their child to go while the parent learns new work skills.
- A family receives child care help so a parent can go to school to get a degree.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about CCDF
What is Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)?+
A federal program that provides subsidies to help low- and moderate-income families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. Administered by states; eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state.
Who qualifies for CCDF?+
Low- to moderate-income families with children. Specific age, income, and work-status rules vary by program and state.
How do I apply for CCDF?+
Apply through your state human services agency. BK's Find Benefits tool links you to your state's portal.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see which family programs you qualify for, or contact your state human services agency for child care, TANF, and Head Start applications.
Source: acf.hhs.gov