Is there a federal child care subsidy?

Answered on November 13, 2026

Yes. The federal child care subsidy is the Child Care and Development Fund, usually called CCDF. It is the main federal funding source for child care help for families with low incomes. The money comes from the federal government, but each state runs its own program. ¹

CCDF is a partnership between the federal government and the states. The Administration for Children and Families funds it through its Office of Child Care. Each state, territory, and tribe runs its own program under its own name, with its own income limits and application. ¹

The subsidy helps pay for care for children under age 13 while a parent works or attends job training or an education program. The program helps fund child care assistance for about 1.4 million children each month. ¹

There is no single federal application. You apply through your state agency. ChildCare.gov links to the financial assistance page for every state, with the agency to contact and a link to apply. Our guide to applying for child care assistance walks through what happens after you apply. ²