Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP)

Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) helps eligible Missouri families with children under age 13 (or children with special needs) pay for child care.

The program pays for part of the child care costs on a sliding fee scale , and parents are responsible for paying the sliding fee amount to the child care provider.

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

Only very low-income families qualify in Missouri. At the time of initial application, the maximum income a family can make to qualify is 150% of the federal poverty line, which is about $3,415 per month for a family of three.

Families already in the program whose income rises can keep a reduced benefit through two transitional levels, up to 215% of the federal poverty line, if they reapply before their eligibility period ends. They pay a larger share of the cost at each level.¹

How much is the sliding fee for child care subsidy in Missouri?

Missouri families pay a sliding fee for each day of care that depends on income level and on how much care is used. Children with verified special needs may pay no sliding fee. At the transitional levels, the daily fee is:

How do I apply for child care assistance in Missouri?

Applications for child care subsidy can be done online through Missouri myDSS  or in person at the local Family Support Division office that serves your area.

Funding is limited and there is often a waiting list in place. To check your eligibility, you may contact your local Family Support Division (FSD) office at (855) 373-4636.

Missouri Department of Social Services
Family Support Division (FSD)
(855) 373-4636

Missouri Transitional Child Care

When your income goes above the limit for the Child Care Assistance Program, Missouri may still pay a portion of your child care costs through Transitional Child Care.

Parents who work, attend school, or train for work with an income between 151% and 242% of the federal poverty level may qualify for “transitional” or expanded aid.

Missouri’s Transitional Child Care has three levels , determined by the family’s income, which affect how much the state subsidy program pays.

If deemed eligible, you will receive a letter from the Family Support Division (FSD) and you must complete the application and return it to your FSD office before the due date.

For assistance with your application, please contact

Missouri Department of Social Services
Family Support Division (FSD)
(855) 373-4636

Missouri Child Care Works (CCW)

Families with children ages 12 and under who cannot otherwise access state-subsidized child care, may apply for Child Care Works, the state first-ever cost-sharing child care program.

Through CCW, an employee’s child care costs would be shared between the employee, the employer and the state of Missouri. According to the program, participating families could see their child care expenses reduced by up to 75%.

The program launched in late 2025. Employers and families interested in finding out more about the program may visit their website at childcareworksmo.org .