Massachusetts Child Care Assistance — Child Care Financial AssistanceMassachusetts

Check if you qualify in Massachusetts

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

For a household of 3, the limit to apply in Massachusetts is $9,874 a month (85% of state median income) and the limit to stay enrolled is $9,874 (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.

Massachusetts DTA Child Care

The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) may provide child care referrals and financial assistance to eligible TAFDC families, both current and former.

It does this by providing a child care referral for any eligible child under age 13 and send it to the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency that serves your city/town.

Current TAFDC recipients who qualify get first priority for child care. While former TAFDC recipients get child care right away, but may have to pay a fee based on income and family size.

Types of assistance may include:

Vouchers: Subsidies that can be used to pay for child care
Contracts: Agreements with providers that reserve slots for children with subsidies
Preschool programs: Typically offered for children ages 3-5

How do I apply for DTA Child Care in Massachusetts?

Applications for DTA child care can be done at your local Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office or you may apply online at DTA Connect .

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
DTA Assistance Line
(877) 382-2363

Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)

Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) is a state program that helps eligible low-to-moderate-income families pay for child care and after-school programs through subsidies or vouchers.

This program is limited to families with income not exceeding 85% of the state median income (SMI), with priority access for families at or below 50% SMI.

By state regulation, families are required to pay a parent fee (co-payment) based on income, capped at no more than 7% of total household income. You can use the EEC Parent Fee Calculator to get a confidential estimate based on your specific situation.

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

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is less than 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of initial application or about $9,874 per month for a family of three.

Child care subsidy income limits by household size, Massachusettsans
Household Size	85% SMIInitial Eligibility	85% SMIRedetermination
2	$7,993	$7,993
3	$9,874	$9,874
4	$11,755	$11,755
5	$13,636	$13,636
6	$15,517	$15,517
7	$15,869	$15,869
8	$16,222	$16,222

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 parent fee for child care financial assistance in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts sets a parent fee on a sliding scale through EEC, based on family income, and by state regulation it may not be more than 7% of household income.

Family income	Parent fee
Below 50% of State Median Income	$0
Near the program limit	About 7% of income

How do I apply for child care assistance in Massachusetts?

Due to funding limits, eligible families may be placed on a waitlist. If you are interested in applying, contact your local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R ) or call Mass 211 (dial 2-1-1) to have your name put on a statewide centralized waiting list.

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)
(617) 988-6600