Check if you qualify in Arkansas
Enter your household size and monthly income to see if you qualify for child care subsidy in Arkansas. Results are instant, nothing is stored.
For a household of 3, the limit to apply in Arkansas is $5,372 a month (85% of state median income) and the limit to stay enrolled is $5,372 (85% of state median income).
This is an estimate based on gross monthly income and household size. It does not include copayments, waitlists, or other rules, and your state agency makes the final decision.
Arkansas School Readiness Assistance (SRA) Program
The School Readiness Program is available to all low-income families, but please note that a waiting list may apply due to limited funding and high demand.
Arkansas School Readiness Assistance (SRA) Program is the state subsidy program targeted at low-income families with children under age 13 who need help paying for child care.
A family may qualify for assistance if it:
- Meets the income guidelines
- Has adults who work or attend school or training for at least 20 hours per week (a combination is allowed)
- Has a child from birth through age 12
Since it is a subsidy, most families are required to pay a percentage of cost of child care in the form of a copayment on a sliding fee basis.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in Arkansas?
A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of initial application.
| Household Size | 85% SMIInitial Eligibility | 85% SMIRedetermination |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $4,348 | $4,348 |
| 3 | $5,372 | $5,372 |
| 4 | $6,395 | $6,395 |
| 5 | $7,418 | $7,418 |
| 6 | $8,441 | $8,441 |
| 7 | $8,633 | $8,633 |
| 8 | $8,825 | $8,825 |
How much is the daily copay for child care assistance in Arkansas?
Arkansas sets a daily copay for each child based on your income as a share of State Median Income (SMI) and the child’s age. The state pays the remainder of the daily rate. The table shows daily copay amounts for part-time care at statewide rates:1
| Child | Up to 40% of SMI | Above 40% up to 60% | Above 60% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | $0.00 | $5.40 | $7.20 |
| Toddler | $0.00 | $7.00 | $8.75 |
| Preschool | $0.00 | $6.60 | $8.25 |
| School-aged | $4.65 | $7.75 | $10.85 |
Full-time care, children with special needs, and families in Benton and Washington counties may have different rates, so check the current scale for your situation.
How do I apply for child care assistance in Arkansas?
In order to apply for assistance, contact one of the Program Eligibility Specialists in your county at (800) 322-8176 and request an application or use the SRA Portal to submit your application.
After an application is completed, it may be returned to your local DHS office, or mailed to the address below:
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S145
Little Rock, AR 72203
Sources & notes
Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:
Footnotes
-
Arkansas Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Sliding Fee Scale Based on State Median Income (Statewide Part-Time Rates) , effective October 1, 2025. ↩
About this information
SingleMotherGuide.com is an independent website and is not affiliated with any government agency. Program amounts and income limits are compiled from official federal and state sources, which are cited on the page, and are reviewed periodically and updated as those sources change.
The information is provided for general guidance and is not legal or financial advice. The administering agency makes the final determination of eligibility and benefit amounts. To report an error, please contact us.
Data freshness
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may change; refer to the cited sources for the most current information.
- Last updated
- Updated by
- Ada Hu