Care 4 Kids

Care 4 Kids, the state’s primary child care support program, is a subsidy program that helps low-income working parents in Connecticut afford child care for their infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children.

Eligibility is based on household income and family size. To be eligible for the program, you must:

Live in Connecticut
Be working or attending a temporary family cash assistance (Jobs First) approved education or training activity
Meet the program’s income requirements

Since it is a subsidy, parents are expected to pay for some of the child care costs, known as Family Fee . The fee amount is calculated by comparing a percentage of the family’s countable income to the State Median Income (SMI) guidelines for the family size.

Income Limit	Family Fee
≤ 20% SMI	0%
≤ 40% SMI	3%
≤ 60% SMI	5%
≤ 85% SMI	7%

FAQ

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Connecticut?

Families with incomes not exceeding 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of initial application are eligible for assistance. That’s about $6,430 per month for a family of three.

Household Size	60% SMIInitial Eligibility	85% SMIRedetermination
2	$5,205	$7,374
3	$6,430	$9,109
4	$7,655	$10,844
5	$8,879	$12,579
6	$10,104	$14,314
7	$10,334	$14,639
8	$10,563	$14,964

The income limits are presented as dollar amounts derived from a percentage of either the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or the State Median Income (SMI) for 2026.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Connecticut?

Families are encouraged to apply for Care 4 Kids using the online application portal for faster processing, or fill out a Care 4 Kids Application , attach required documentation, and mail it to

Care 4 Kids
1344 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

If you have any questions or need help, call (888) 214-5437.