Ohio Child Care Assistance — Publicly Funded Child CareOhio

Check if you qualify in Ohio

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

For a household of 3, the limit to apply in Ohio is $3,301 a month (145% 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.

Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care

Ohio’s Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) is the state subsidy program targeted at low-income families who need help paying for child care.

PFCC provides assistance with payment for child care on a sliding fee basis for eligible parents while they work, attend school, or take part in job training.

The program pays for part of the child care costs, and the parent co-pays for a portion based on their income, family size and the number of children in care.

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

A family in Ohio is considered “income eligible ” when the total gross monthly income is at or below 145% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application, or higher if the parent has a child with special needs.

Child care subsidy income limits by household size, Ohioans
Household Size	145% FPLInitial Eligibility	300% FPLRedetermination
2	$2,615	$5,410
3	$3,301	$6,830
4	$3,988	$8,250
5	$4,674	$9,670
6	$5,360	$11,090
7	$6,047	$12,510
8	$6,733	$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.

Once enrolled, the family remain eligible until their income reaches 300% of the federal poverty level or about $6,830 per month for a family of three.

How much is the weekly copay for publicly funded child care in Ohio?

Ohio sets a weekly copay based on family size and your income compared to the federal poverty level. Families at or below 100% of the poverty level pay $0, and the copay rises in steps of 5% of the poverty level up to 300%.¹ For a family of three, the approximate weekly copays at the initial and ongoing eligibility limits are:

Family income % of poverty level	Weekly copay family of three
145% (initial intake limit)	≈ $65
300% (ongoing eligibility limit)	≈ $415

How do I apply for child care assistance in Ohio?

Families whose income does not exceed 145% of the federal poverty level may apply for child care assistance online through Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal .

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Family and Customer Support Center
(877) 302-2347

Ohio Child Care Choice Voucher

Parents whose income is above the eligibility threshold for the state’s Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program may be considered for the Child Care Choice Voucher.

Eligibility is limited to households whose income falls between 146% and 200% of the federal poverty level at the time of application, or higher if the parent has a child with special needs.

Income limits as a percentage of the federal poverty level, by household size
Household Size	146% Income Limit	200% Income Limit
1	$1,942	$2,660
2	$2,633	$3,607
3	$3,324	$4,553
4	$4,015	$5,500
5	$4,706	$6,447
6	$5,397	$7,393
7	$6,088	$8,340
8	$6,779	$9,287

The income limits are presented as dollar amounts derived from a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for each household size in 2026.

Families may apply online through Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or in person at the local County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS).