Check if you qualify in California
Enter your household size and monthly income to see if you qualify for child care subsidy in California. Results are instant, nothing is stored.
For a household of 3, the limit to apply in California is $7,625 a month (85% of state median income) and the limit to stay enrolled is $7,625 (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.
CalWORKs Child Care
CalWORKs Child Care is a subsidized child care program for eligible low-income families who are receiving CalWORKs cash aid or transitioning off aid. The program helps parents pay for child care so they can work, attend school, or participate in job training.
Families that qualify for the program may choose their own child care provider. The local Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCRC) will reimburse child care providers up to a certain amount .
CalWORKs Child Care is administered in three different stages, each with its own set of eligibility criteria. While Stage 1 and Stage 2 services are entitlements, Stage 3 services are provided only if funding is available.
Stage 1 Child Care
Stage 1 child care is available to CalWORKs families when they first become employed or engaged Welfare-to-Work activities.
Each family may be served for up to six months or until the family is stable.
Stage 2 Child Care
Parents may be eligible for Stage 2 child care while they are receiving CalWORKs cash assistance, and for up to 24 months.
Stage 3 Child Care
Stage 3 is available only to families who have received Stage 1 or 2 child care for 24 months after leaving CalWORKs cash assistance, and thus have “timed out” of Stage 2 benefits.
Families remain in Stage 3 until the family’s income exceeds 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) or until the children are over the eligibility age.
What is the income limit for child care in California?
A family in California will be considered income eligible if that family’s monthly income is at or below 85% of the SMI, adjusted for family size as shown below.
| Household Size | 85% SMIInitial Eligibility | 85% SMIRedetermination |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $6,172 | $6,172 |
| 3 | $7,625 | $7,625 |
| 4 | $9,077 | $9,077 |
| 5 | $10,529 | $10,529 |
| 6 | $11,981 | $11,981 |
| 7 | $12,254 | $12,254 |
| 8 | $12,526 | $12,526 |
How much is the family fee for child care in California?
Since October 1, 2023, families with income below 75% of State Median Income (SMI) may pay no family fee, and for families at or above 75% the monthly fee may be capped at 1% of family income under the 2023–24 Budget Act.1
| Family income | Monthly family fee |
|---|---|
| Below 75% of SMI | $0 |
| At or above 75% of SMI | Up to 1% of family income |
How do I apply for child care assistance in California?
If you receive CalWORKs cash aid or have received it within the last 24 months, you may apply online through BenefitsCAL or in person the local County Social Services office.
California Department of Social Services
Child Care Programs Bureau
(916) 657-2144
San Francisco Child Care Expansion Program
Starting in January 2026, San Francisco will offer free child care to families earning less than $230,000 a year, and a 50% subsidy to those earning up to $310,000 in July 2026.2
Under the new child care expansion, families with children under age 5 will qualify for free or reduced-cost care based on income.
Families may apply through San Francisco Department of Early Childhood at sfdec.org , which administers the city’s childcare and early learning programs.
San Francisco Department of Early Childhood
Children’s Council Resource & Referral Line
(415) 343-3300
Sources & notes
Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:
Footnotes
-
California Budget & Policy Center, Mending Harmful Family Fees, Expanding Possibilities for California Families , describing the family fee reform in the 2023–24 Budget Act. ↩
-
SF.gov . Mayor Lurie Launches Family Opportunity Agenda to Make San Francisco More Affordable for Families ↩
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