Child Care Assistance Program

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You are on this page: Child Care Assistance Program

The New York State Child Care Assistance Program, commonly referred to as the Subsidy Program, is administered by local social services districts (LSSD) and overseen by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The goal of the Child Care Assistance Program is to help Temporary Assistance (TA) and low-income families pay for child care in order to help them become self-sufficient.

For Parents and Caregivers

How much money can I receive?

If eligible, you can have some or all of your child care costs paid for, depending on your circumstances. Click I Need Help Paying for Child Care below to learn more.

What kind of providers can I use?

You are free to choose a provider that meets your needs so long as they are Licensed, Registered or Enrolled as a Legally Exempt provider. You can even ask a family friend or relative to enroll as a Legally Exempt provider.

Is there a limit to how much money I can make and still be eligible?

In most cases, currently you cannot make more than 200% of the State Income Standard to qualify.

How do I apply?

To learn how to apply and find out more, visit to the Help Paying for Child Care page.

I want help paying for child care.

For Providers and Caretakers

What does this program mean for me?

If you provide care for families using the program, the LSSD will pay up to the cost of care, or up to the applicable market rate, whichever is less either by paying you directly, or by sending the money to the family to pay you. The family may be required to pay a portion.

You may be eligible for enhanced or increased rates depending on your qualifications, ability to provide care during non-traditional hours, provide care to special needs children or other circumstances outlined in each LSSDs Child and Family Services Plan.

Providers are eligible to be paid a minimum of 24 absences per year, but LSSDs may pay for more as outlined in their plan.

Depending on what the LSSDs pay for in their plan, you may also be eligible for payment when the program is closed.

Please see the Additional Resources section below for more information or view your LSSDs Child and Family Services Plan.

For Local Social Service Districts

Most Recent Regulations and Policies

Additional Resources

OCFS Resources

External Resources

Important Income Tax Information

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) staff are happy to share valuable information on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant Program. We especially want to share this information with local Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes, as they are in contact with potential eligible families.

The Earned Income Tax Credit, EITC or EIC, is a benefit for working families with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant Program is an IRS initiative designed to promote and support free tax preparation service for the underserved, in both urban and non-urban locations. Service is targeted to low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking.

If you need general information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Grant Program, your OCFS Division of Child Care Services Regional Office can help you.

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