How the CCDF Helps You Afford Child Care

Finding affordable, reliable child care is one of the biggest challenges for working parents. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal and state partnership designed to help low-income families access safe and supportive care for their children while parents work, train for a job, or attend school.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), CCDF provides states with block grants to subsidize child care costs for eligible families. Millions of children nationwide benefit from this support, which not only helps parents remain employed but also ensures children receive quality early care that prepares them for school and beyond.

If you’re looking for more details about the programs that affect your family, finances, and future, be sure to sign up for BenefitKarma to stay in the know.

What is the CCDF?

The Child Care and Development Fund is a federal block grant program created to make child care more affordable for families with low incomes. States have flexibility in how they use the family and education benefit funds, but federal law requires them to:

help families pay for child care costs
improve the quality and safety of child care programs
increase access to early learning and development opportunities

Essentially, CCDF is designed to support both parents and children: parents can stay employed or continue their education, while children receive care that promotes healthy growth and school readiness.

Note: CCDF is not the same everywhere. Because states administer the program differently, eligibility rules, co-payments, wait times, provider options, and priorities vary widely.

Who is eligible for the CCDF?

Eligibility rules vary by state, but federal guidelines set some basic standards:

Income: Families must usually earn less than 85% of their state’s median income, though many states set lower limits.
Work or school requirement: Parents must be employed, looking for work, or enrolled in education or training programs.
Child’s age: The program typically covers children under age 13, or up to age 19 if the child has special needs.
Residency and citizenship: Applicants must live in the state where they apply, and children must be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants.

What kinds of things does the CCDF pay for?

The CCDF subsidy pays for a wide range of care options. Families can usually choose the type of care that works best for them, as long as the provider meets state standards. Covered options often include:

Licensed child care centers: Daycare centers that meet state regulations.
Family child care homes: Smaller, home-based programs run by providers.
Relatives or informal caregivers: In some states, family members or trusted caregivers can qualify if they meet training and safety requirements.
Before- and after-school programs: For school-aged children who need care outside of school hours.
Specialized care: In certain cases, programs that meet the unique needs of children with disabilities.

How do you sign up for CCDF?

Applications are handled at the state level, usually through your state’s Department of Human Services, Early Childhood office, or similar agency. The process generally involves:

Find your state agency: Each state has its own child care assistance portal. You can search “[your state] child care assistance” to locate the right office.
Fill out an application: You’ll need to provide proof of income, household size, work or school enrollment, and residency.
Select a provider: Once approved, you’ll choose a provider who accepts CCDF payments. The state pays its portion directly to the provider, while you pay your co-payment.

Processing times vary by state, but many families receive a decision within 30–45 days.

Do you have to resubmit for CCDF (and how often)?

Yes. CCDF is not a one-time benefit. It requires periodic re-certification to make sure families still meet income and work or school requirements.

Most states require families to reapply every 12 months.
Some states allow a longer eligibility period of up to 24 months, while others may require updates sooner if your circumstances change (for example, if your income goes up or you switch jobs).
Families usually need to submit pay stubs, proof of enrollment in school or training, and updated household information during the renewal process.

What other programs do CCDF recipients qualify for?

Families who qualify for CCDF often also meet the income guidelines for other assistance programs, such as:

SNAP (food stamps): Helps with grocery costs.
Medicaid or CHIP: Provides health insurance for children and low-income parents.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Offers food and nutrition support for pregnant women and young children.
Head Start and Early Head Start: Free preschool and early childhood programs.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Provides cash assistance for very low-income families.

These programs work together to support family stability, helping cover basics like food, healthcare, and housing alongside child care.

What challenges face CCDF right now?

While CCDF itself continues to be funded, recent legislation — particularly H.R. 1, sometimes called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — has created serious challenges for the families and providers who rely on it.

Cuts to related programs: H.R. 1 slashed funding for SNAP and Medicaid. Families who rely on those programs have less money for child care co-payments and other expenses.
Administrative hurdles: The bill created new work and paperwork requirements across safety net programs. Families who miss deadlines or struggle with documentation risk losing CCDF, even if they’re still eligible.
Workforce strain: By limiting student loan access for lower-paying professions, H.R. 1 discourages people from entering child care as a career. This makes it harder for states to maintain a strong child care workforce.
Overall family insecurity: Without steady health coverage or food assistance, families experience financial stress that directly affects their ability to maintain stable child care arrangements.

The bottom line: CCDF still exists, but the environment created by H.R. 1 has made it harder for families to access and sustain care.