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?

You may apply for a child care voucher by visiting the Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration, Child Care Services Division during regular business hours. The doors for the Child Care Services Division open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 4:45 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to call to schedule an appointment, Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for appointments. Limited walk-in visits for new applicants are available on a first come, first serve basis on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

You may also apply directly at a Level II Child Care Providers facility you have selected, as long as the facility is authorized to complete intake.

After you complete and submit the Subsidized Child Care Service Application, you must schedule an interview with the Eligibility Worker at your initial intake site. During the interview, the eligibility worker will obtain a thorough understanding of all relevant eligibility factors for you and your family.

The Child Care Service Division is located at:

4049 South Capitol St. SW

Washington, DC 20032

Please click here for more information about applying for child care assistance.

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