Paying for Child Care

What is a child care voucher?

The subsidized child care program, or child care voucher, helps qualified families who meet income eligibility requirements. The child care subsidy is based on an assessment of need, income and family size. In addition to income-eligible families where one or more adult is working, child care assistance may also be available for:

• Families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and participate in education and training in accordance with their Individual Responsibility Plans;
• Teen parents seeking a high school degree or its equivalent; and/or
• Families not receiving TANF, but who are pursuing additional education to improve employment opportunities and prospects.

How do I apply for a child care voucher?

There are three ways to apply for the DC child care subsidy program.

1. Online: Click this link to submit an application. After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification the Department of Human Services (DHS) acknowledging receipt and connecting you to an eligibility worker. You must schedule an interview with your eligibility worker where they ask questions to gain a better understanding of all relevant eligibility factors for your family.
2. In person at DHS: Visit the DHS, Economic Security Administration, Child Care Services Division located at 4049 South Capital St. SW, Washington, DC 20032. Applicants are encouraged to call DHS at (202) 727-0284 to schedule an appointment. Limited walk-in visits are available for new applicants on a first come, first serve basis on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. You are encouraged to print and complete the child care subsidy application found here in advance of your visit.
3. In person at a Level II child care provider facility: Visit a facility that is authorized to complete the child care subsidy intake process. A list of Level II facilities is available here. You are encouraged to print and complete the child care subsidy application found here in advance of your visit.

Please click here for more information about applying for child care assistance. For questions, contact [email protected] or (202) 727-8137.

The Child Care Subsidy Application can be found here (Español | Amharic).