How To Get Free Childcare Vouchers For Working Parents – Raising children is an expensive affair. A lot of parents start budgeting for their new babies before their arrival however only a few can predict how rapidly childcare costs are growing in the United States of America over the course of a few years.
As per reports of Care.com, nearly 60% of American families are spending 20% or more of their annual household income towards childcare expenses. Fortunately, childcare vouchers are in place including many financial assistance programs for working parents to help maintain their childcare expenses. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you to take advantage of childcare vouchers and plenty of resources at your disposal so that you can reduce the cost of raising children.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Multiple Resources: Federal & state programs, tax breaks, employer benefits, and local assistance can help reduce childcare costs.
- Financial Aid: Vouchers, subsidies, and grants are available for low-income families.
- Tax Benefits: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can provide tax relief.
- Employer Support: Some employers offer childcare benefits like on-site daycare or reimbursement programs.
- Local Resources: Non-profit centers, scholarships, and sliding scales can ease the financial burden.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria And Documents Required To Get Childcare Vouchers For Working Parents?
The eligibility requirements, relevant documents to be submitted and the application procedure for every type of child care assistance programs may vary depending on the type of program parents are considering. The eligibility criteria to qualify for assistance and obtain free money from the government are as follows:
- Be a citizen of the United States, a legal/ permanent resident or an eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security card
- Belong to the low-income category and meet the income criteria stated by the program. Parents need to have income below a particular percentage of the federal poverty guideline to qualify for assistance.
- Must demonstrate robust financial need for instance housing crisis, loss of income, significant rise in household expenses, eviction notices etc.
Following is the list of documents that you need to submit to demonstrate your eligibility and secure your chance of receiving the government grants.
- Citizenship and immigration documents
- Income verification documents like employment information, tax returns, pay stubs, W2 forms, bank statements etc.
- Proof of financial hardship that you are going through for which it is making it difficult for you to make regular child support for instance utility cutoff, housing crisis, disability, eviction, medical condition, termination electric etc.
- Proof of benefits that you are receiving from the federal government such as SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, Administration for Children Services or the Department of Social Services.
- Personal identification documents such as passport, driver’s license, original birth certificate etc.
- Proof of childcare expenses for instance copies of bank statements showing electronic transfers to daycare or childcare provider, copies of cash checks or money orders that were written and cashed by the daycare or childcare provider
- Parents who are claiming that they are full-time students must send documents from school verifying their full-time student status.
Similar to childcare vouchers there are also veteran Food vouchers in place for eligible candidates. Know more about them in our next guide.
List Of Childcare Subsidies And Financial Assistance Programs For Working Parents
In the below section of the guide, we have covered a list of childcare subsidies, programs, services and useful resources that can be of immense help to working parents.
1. Federal Child Care Assistance Programs
Child Care and Development Fund
The Child Care and Development Program assists low-income individuals and families who are paying childcare expenses while they are attending school or employed somewhere.
The eligibility criteria may vary depending on your state however parents meet the income guidelines to qualify for assistance and get help with childcare costs. The grant assists working parents by providing support with childcare expenses. The program helps in covering significant costs of childcare like in-home care, daycare centers and after-school programs.
Child Care Access Means Parents In School Program
The federal grant that provides campus-based healthcare assistance to low-income parents in post-secondary education is known as the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program.
The program assists low-income parents who need childcare assistance to graduate with a college degree to remain in school. The amount of assistance that you can receive through this program will be based on your financial income, eligibility status, financial need and family contribution level.
Free Kindergarten Programs
Even though free pre-K programs for children between the ages of 3 to 5 is limited in America, most of the states and cities are providing these programs for the benefit of working parents.
The free school programs when available are generally reserved for low-income families who can meet the eligibility criteria of the program. These programs help families and parents to afford childcare as well as prepare them for kindergarten.
Head Start/ Early Head Start Programs
Working parents can reduce childcare costs by applying for all federally funded preschool programs, for instance the Early Head Start Program (designed for infants and toddlers below 3 years of age) and the Head Start Program (designed for children in age between 3 to 4 years). Both programs are geared towards children coming from low-income families. You need to reach out to your local Head Start office to find out if your family is eligible for the program.
National School Lunch Program
The federally funded National School Lunch Program provides free or discounted lunches as well as nutritional assistance to school-age children belonging to low-income families.
Parents who are struggling financially to make regular child payments can reduce their financial burden to some extent by providing nutritious lunches to their children through the National School Lunch Program.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a very well-known grant used by many to provide for their families. This grant can be availed by anyone who lacks funds to provide for their families. This grant can also be used as one of the grants for working parents paying child support other than buying food or shelter.
Looking for assistance programs for parents with a disabled child? Head to our next guide.
2. State Assistance Childcare Vouchers/ Subsidy Programs
The federal government of the United States provides funds to the state for offsetting the cost of childcare. However the financial aid for low-income families may vary from one place to another. Several subsidies also called vouchers in a few states have stringent eligibility and income guidelines and are available for families with kids below 13 years.
The age limit however may extend if your child is living with disabilities. A lot of states distribute childcare vouchers through health or social departments or other agencies for instance the following.
- North Carolina Smart Start is a private or public partnership that provides funding opportunities for childcare.
- Nevada has a Children’s Cabinet that refers working parents or families to childcare providers and also enables them to apply for vouchers or subsidies.
3. Tribal Childcare Financial Assistance Programs
The Tribal Childcare and Development Fund
Besides federal and state there are Tribal Child Care Assistance Programs in place for those living in tribal lands. For instance, the Tribal Childcare and Development Program uses federal funds to support poor tribal families and individuals receiving temporary public assistance or support. The assistance or services enable working parents to continue their job, participate in educational activities or attend training.
Child Care Assistance For Indigenous People Of Hawaii And Other Pacific Island Childcare And Preschool Programs
There are child care assistance programs in Hawaii that help working parents cover the expense of childcare and preschool for children of indigenous people of Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Families must contact PATCH which is a local childcare resource and referral agency for more information. There are more than 150 Head Start and Early Head Start programs that are serving American Indian and Alaska Native children as well.
4. Childcare Vouchers Assistance For Military Families
The federal United States government provides subsidies or vouchers to members of the Department of Defense and the military. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the parent’s branch of service or agency. To know more you can visit Child Care Aware of America’s official website and find out the eligibility criteria for your agency or branch. Child Care Aware of America offers childcare support to military families through fee assistance and respite child care programs.
5. Tax Breaks And Credits For Working Parents
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Earned Income Tax Credit is geared towards low or moderate-income wage earners and may range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the number of children you have in your household and what your filing status is. You can visit the IRS website to learn whether you can qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit including details about how to file for the tax credit.
Child And Dependent Care Tax Credits
Working parents and families can qualify for tax credit with the help of the Child And Dependent Care Tax Credit. By using this credit you can itemize up to $3000 for childcare expenses per child and maximum credit up to $6000.
While filing your income tax return you can use IRS form 2441 for itemizing up to $3000 for childcare expenses for poor children and a maximum of $6000 which brings up to $600 per child or $1200 maximum in tax savings.
Working parents who have more than one child can access a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account. Those who have an FSA can use Form 2441 for an additional $1000 in childcare expenses and save an extra $200 through the Child Tax Credit.
6. Employer-Sponsored Childcare Programs
Work Sponsored Child Care Benefits
A lot of companies have started recognizing the financial burden of working parents when it comes to childcare and are creating benefits to assist them.
Work-sponsored child care benefits include tuition costs for employees who are using childcare providers in the established company network, childcare reimbursement for working parents, backup care programs offered through care that connect working parents with gaps in childcare coverage to quality and vetted childcare options at free or discounted rates. You can contact your Human Resource representative to see if these benefits apply to you.
Dependent Care Accounts
Dependent Care Accounts are a type of flexible spending account provided by the federal government through employers. Similar to Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, a lot of families are eligible if their spouse or parent in single-parent households are working or going to school and have children below 13 years of age.
If your employment provides a dependent care account then you can put aside $5000 in tax dollars to cover childcare expenses and save nearly $2000 by contributing the maximum. Contact your Human Resource department to see if a childcare account is available for you.
7. School Sponsored Childcare Subsidies
In case you or your spouse is a student and enrolled in an educational institution it is possible for you to get financial assistance from your school to cover childcare. For instance, Oregon State University provides programs for parents who are students so that they can cover their childcare expenses.
A lot of universities have started providing low-cost and on-campus childcare for students who can meet eligibility criteria. A few examples include The Office of Student Access and Completion in Oregon, the Department of Early Education and Care in Massachusetts and the Office of Child Care in Utah.
8. Local Childcare Subsidies
A lot of childcare centers in local areas provide scholarships or sliding scales for low-income families or working parents who are unable to afford the standard rates of childcare services.
A lot of centers provide discount deals if families enroll more than one child. You can contact your local childcare center or provider to get discounts. Alternatively, you can contact your local childcare resource and referral agency to get information about nonprofit daycares available in your area or local scholarship programs.
Besides child care support a lot of nonprofits help with free diapers for low-income parents. To know more head to our next guide.
Childcare Vouchers/ Subsidies, Resources, Services And Assistance By State And Territories
The government of the United States provides funds to each state and territory so that parents can offset the cost of childcare. However the financial aid and eligibility requirements may vary from one state to another. In the below section of the guide, we have provided a list of government resources that can help you find childcare aid or vouchers in your area.
- Alabama: Alabama Department of Human Resources, Child Care Services Division,
- Alaska: Alaska Department of Health and Social Service, Child Care Program Office, Division of Public Assistance,
- Arizona: Child Care Administration, Arizona Department of Economic Security
- Arkansas: Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education,
- American Samoa: Child Care Division, American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services
- California: California Department of Education, Early Education and Support Division (EESD),
- Colorado: Division of Early Care and Learning, Office of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Human Services
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs
- Connecticut: Bureau of Teaching and Learning, Office of Early Childhood, Connecticut Department of Social Services
- Delaware: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
- District of Columbia: C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education
- Florida: Office of Early Learning, Florida Department of Education
- Georgia: Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
- Guam: Division of Public Welfare, Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services
- Hawaii: Benefit, Employment, and Support Services Division, Hawaii Department of Human Services
- Idaho: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Illinois: Division of Family and Community Services, Office of Early Childhood, Illinois Department of Human Services
- Indiana: Bureau of Child Care, Division of Family Resources, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
- Iowa: Bureau of Child Care and Community Services, Division of Adult, Children and Family Services, Iowa Department of Human Services
- Kansas: Economic and Employment Services, Kansas Department for Children and Families
- Kentucky: Department for Community Based Services, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Louisiana: Early Childhood Division, Louisiana Department of Education
- Maine: Office of Child Care Family Services, Maine Department of Health and Human Services
- Maryland: Office of Child Care, Division of Early Childhood Development, Maryland State Department of Education
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
- Michigan: Child Development and Care Program, Office of Great Start, Michigan Department of Education
- Minnesota: Community Partnerships and Child Care Services, Minnesota Department of Human Services
- Mississippi: Policy and Programs Unit, Division of Early Childhood Care and Development, Mississippi Department of Human Services
- Missouri: Early Childhood and Prevention Services Section, Children’s Division, Missouri Department of Social Services
- Montana: Early Childhood Services Bureau, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
- Nebraska: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- Nevada: Child Care and Development Program, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
- New Hampshire: Child Development Bureau, Division for Children, Youth and Families, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
- New Jersey: Division of Family Development, New Jersey Department of Human Services
- New Mexico: Early Childhood Services Division, New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department
- New York: Division of Child Care Services, New York State Office of Children and Family Services
- North Carolina: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education,
- North Dakota: North Dakota Department of Human Services
- Ohio: Bureau of Child Care Policy and Technical Assistance, Office of Family Assistance, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services
- Oklahoma: Child Care Services, Oklahoma Department of Human Services
- Oregon: Office of Child Care, Early Learning Division, Oregon Department of Education
- Pennsylvania: Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services
- Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Administration of Integral Child Care and Development
- Rhode Island: Family and Children’s Services, Rhode Island Department of Human Services
- South Carolina: Division of Child Care Services, South Carolina Department of Social Services
- South Dakota: Division of Child Care Services, South Dakota Department of Social Services
- Tennessee: Tennessee Department of Human Services, Citizens Plaza State Office Building
- Texas: Workforce Policy and Program Assistance, Workforce Development Division, Texas Workforce Commission
- S. Virgin Islands: Office of Child Care and Regulatory Services, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services
- Utah: Office of Child Care, Utah Department of Workforce Services
- Vermont: Child Development Division, Department for Children and Families, Vermont Agency of Human Services
- Virginia: Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Development, Virginia Department of Social Services
- Washington: Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families
- West Virginia: Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau for Children and Families, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
- Wisconsin: Division of Early Care and Education, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
- Wyoming: Early Childhood Division, Wyoming Department of Family Services.
Additional Resources To Consider For Child Support
Family And Child Education (FACE)
Family and Child Education Programs serve families and children who are up to five years of age and provide adult education, early childhood education and parenting education. The program also provides continuing opportunities for active learning as well as prenatal involvement for families with kids in grades between K to 3.
Child Support Enforcement Program
The CSE program offers services for locating absent parents from additional paternity, enforcing support obligations. If you’re receiving assistance under TANF, Medicaid and foster care then you receive these services automatically or else you can apply for child support services and get support directly.
Foster Care By Children’s Bureau
Children’s Bureau offers funding opportunities to individual tribes and states for providing safe foster care placement for youth and children who cannot remain in their homes. The program offers financial assistance to the state to assist with the cost of foster care maintenance for eligible children, training for staff, private agency staff, foster parents and administrative costs to manage the program.
Read also about child organizations that help children in need in our next guide.
Conclusion
The need to work for parents in order to support their families and feed their children can often create a challenging scenery since children require guidance and supervision while they are out at their jobs or attending training sessions, schools etc. Working parents who want to keep the cost of childcare as low as possible must rely on resources provided through federal and state government agencies as well as nonprofit organizations. By applying for federal, and state programs, subsidies, tax breaks, local assistance and emergency financial assistance programs you can improve your chance of having a successful career while taking good care of your children.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding how to obtain childcare vouchers for working parents. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.