Traditional Child Care:

For new applicants and applicants who have had a break in eligibility, a family’s adjusted gross income must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level based on household size in order to be eligible for the child care subsidy benefit. The income maximums are listed on the Child Care Subsidy Income Limits and Sliding Scale Fee Chart.

Transitional Child Care:

Applicants who reapply for benefits before the end of the 12 month eligibility period may qualify for a gradual phase out of the Child Care Subsidy program called Transitional Child Care.  Subject to appropriation, there may be multiple levels of Transitional Child Care, to include the following:

Income eligibility for Transitional Child Care Level 1 (TCC1) shall be 151 percent of poverty but not to exceed 185 percent of poverty. The Applicant shall be responsible for paying the sliding fee to the provider.  DESE shall fund 80 percent of the remaining state base rate.

Income eligibility for Transitional Child Care Level 2 (TCC2) shall be 186 percent of poverty but not to exceed 215 percent of poverty. The Applicant shall be responsible for paying the sliding fee to the provider. DESE shall fund 60 percent of the remaining state base rate.

Income eligibility for Transitional Child Care Level 3 (TCC3) shall be 216 percent of poverty but not to exceed 242 percent of poverty. The Applicant shall be responsible for paying the sliding fee to the provider.  DESE shall fund 50 percent of the remaining state base rate.