Hawaii Child Care Assistance — Child Care Connection HawaiiHawaii

Check if you qualify in Hawaii

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

For a household of 3, the limit to apply in Hawaii is $7,998 a month (85% of state median income) and the limit to stay enrolled is $7,998 (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.

Child Care Connection Hawaii (CCCH)

Child Care Connection Hawaii (CCCH) provides subsidized child care for eligible families with children under 13 who meet the income eligibility and activity requirements.

The amount of subsidy varies based on the family’s gross monthly income, family size, and the type and cost of care. Because it is a subsidy, the parent may also be required to pay a portion of the child care costs on a sliding scale.

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

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) for the family size. For example, a household of three may have an income of $7,998 or less per month and still qualify.

Child care subsidy income limits by household size, Hawaiians
Household Size	85% SMIInitial Eligibility	85% SMIRedetermination
2	$6,475	$6,475
3	$7,998	$7,998
4	$9,522	$9,522
5	$11,045	$11,045
6	$12,569	$12,569
7	$12,854	$12,854
8	$13,140	$13,140

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.

Is child care assistance available on Maui?

Yes, families on Maui can apply for Child Care Connection Hawaii (CCCH) and Preschool Open Doors, which are statewide child care subsidy programs that serve all islands, including Maui County.

Eligibility is based on factors like income, family size, and parents’ work or training status, not on which island you live, so Maui families follow the same basic rules.

The Alu Like Native Hawaiian Child Care Assistance Program is another resource available for Hawaiian families and can be reached at 535-1300.

How much is the copay for child care assistance in Hawaii?

Hawaii uses a sliding fee scale based on family size and income, and the share of income a family pays may rise as income gets closer to the program’s limit.

Family income	Copay (share of income)
At or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines	0%
Up to the limit (231% of poverty guidelines, or 85% of state median income)	About 9%

How do I apply for child care subsidy in Hawaii?

Applications for child care subsidy are accepted statewide, year-round, at your nearest CCCH office , except for the Preschool Open Doors (POD) program which has a limited open enrollment period during the spring of each year.

A completed application along with supporting documents, and an intake interview is required before eligibility can be established.

Families may also apply online through Hawaii Child Care Subsidy Portal or download the Application for Child Care Services (DHS 911) and mail the application along with supporting documents to:

Child Care Subsidy Unit
94-275 Mokuola Street, Room 105
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
(808) 675-0650