Delaware Child Care Assistance — Purchase of Care ProgramDelaware

Check if you qualify in Delaware

Enter your household size and monthly income to see if you qualify for child care subsidy in Delaware. Results are instant, nothing is stored.

For a household of 3, the limit to apply in Delaware is $4,553 a month (200% of the poverty level) and the limit to stay enrolled is $6,830 (300% of the poverty level).

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.

Delaware Purchase of Care (POC) Program

Delaware Purchase of Care (POC) Program a child care subsidy program designed to help low-income families pay for early childhood and after-school education.

Families who qualify for the subsidy program may choose their own child care provider. The state pays part of the cost of care, and the parent is responsible for paying a monthly co-payment directly to the provider.

Families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level do not have a co-payment. Families with higher incomes pay a co-payment capped at no more than 7% of their gross income.

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

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

For a family of three, the income threshold to qualify is $4,553 per month.

Child care subsidy income limits by household size, Delawareans
Household Size	200% FPLInitial Eligibility	300% FPLRedetermination
2	$3,607	$5,410
3	$4,553	$6,830
4	$5,500	$8,250
5	$6,447	$9,670
6	$7,393	$11,090
7	$8,340	$12,510
8	$9,287	$13,930

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 much is the co-payment for child care assistance in Delaware?

Families with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) pay no co-payment. Above that level, the monthly co-payment follows a sliding scale and is capped at 7% of gross income.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Delaware?

To apply for child care assistance in Delaware, you’ll need to submit your application through Delaware ASSIST , the state’s online portal for social services, including child care subsidies.

For assistance finding a provider that accepts POC, you can contact Children & Families First at (800) 734-2388 or visit My Child DE .

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Social Services
(866) 843-7212