Check if you qualify in Pennsylvania
Enter your household size and monthly income to see if you qualify for child care subsidy in Pennsylvania. Results are instant, nothing is stored.
For a household of 3, the limit to apply in Pennsylvania is $4,553 a month (200% of the poverty level) and the limit to stay enrolled is $4,553 (200% 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.
Pennsylvania Child Care Works
Subsidized child care in Pennsylvania is provided through the Child Care Works program that helps lower-income families pay their child care fees.
Since it is a subsidy, most families are required to pay a percentage of cost of child care in the form of a copayment — known as the family co-pay, on a sliding fee basis.
As a condition of eligibility, parents are required to work at least 20 hours a week or work at least 10 hours a week AND participate in an approved training program at least another 10 hours a week.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in Pennsylvania?
Most families with incomes up to 200% of federal poverty level or about $4,553 per month for a family of three, qualify for child care subsidy.
The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the chart below.
| Household Size | 200% SMIInitial Eligibility | 200% FPLRedetermination |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $14,243 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $17,594 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $20,946 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $24,297 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $27,648 | $7,393 |
| 7 | $28,276 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $28,905 | $9,287 |
How much is the copay for Child Care Works in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania sets a sliding-scale weekly copay based on income and family size, paid directly to your provider. Copays for eligible families have come down in recent years.
How do I apply for child care assistance in Pennsylvania?
To apply for child care assistance in Pennsylvania, you must submit an application through your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC ). 1
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Child Care Works Helpline
(877) 472-5437
Sources & notes
Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:
Footnotes
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ELRCs are regional agencies that administer Pennsylvania’s Child Care Works program. They determine eligibility, calculate copayments, and help families find approved child care providers. Each ELRC serves specific counties. ↩
About this information
SingleMotherGuide.com is an independent website and is not affiliated with any government agency. Program amounts and income limits are compiled from official federal and state sources, which are cited on the page, and are reviewed periodically and updated as those sources change.
The information is provided for general guidance and is not legal or financial advice. The administering agency makes the final determination of eligibility and benefit amounts. To report an error, please contact us.
Data freshness
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may change; refer to the cited sources for the most current information.
- Last updated
- Updated by
- Ada Hu