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Income-eligible Child Care
- AN OVERVIEW -
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Income-eligible child care is subsidized child care for low-income non-TAFDC families who are working, in an education or job training program, or disabled. Child care is provided for children under 13 and for older children with special needs. The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is in charge of this program in Massachusetts.
Income-eligible child care is for low-income families who are not getting TAFDC and have not gotten TAFDC for over a year. To be eligible, you must be working, looking for work, in school or a training program, on maternity leave, or disabled, and be able to show a need for child care services. Your children must meet the age requirements and your income must be within the program limits.
You may choose the type of child care that you think is best for your child. The number of hours of child care you get depends on your need for services. The amount you pay is based on a sliding fee scale according to your income and family size.
To apply for income-eligible vouchers, you should call or visit your local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R) or a contracted child care provider. For the name and address of your local CCR&R, see Resource and Referral Agencies on the EEC web site, or call 1-800-345-0131. Your name will be put on a statewide centralized waiting list. Families in priority categories move ahead of non-priority families on the waiting list. Some priority families get immediate assistance.
Once your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you may enroll your child in child care. A counselor will help you find a child care provider and tell you how much you will have to pay. You must pay your fees on time and report any changes that might affect your eligibility.
Links to other web sites with information about income-eligible child care in Massachusetts.
Income-eligible Child Care section last updated on 6/25/09
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