Parents in Washington, DC, face some of the highest child care costs in the country. According to a study done by Axios in 2024, child care costs for two children took up 42% of the area’s median household annual income. To combat rising costs, the district has implemented various resources designed to help families afford reliable, high-quality child care. Here’s a short guide to understanding the support that’s available to you and your family.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Washington, DC, has some of the highest child care costs in the country but the district offers several programs designed to help families manage those costs.
- Get the details: DC’s Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to working or student parents with children between 6 weeks and 13 years old, covering all or part of child care costs directly with a licensed provider. Families can also take advantage of the DC Child Tax Credit and the DC Earned Income Tax Credit.
- Why this matters: Many families may not realize how much assistance is available to them — or that eligibility extends to those seeking employment, in job training or caring for a child with special needs.
- How this helps: Time is a factor. Starting May 12, 2026, a waitlist will be implemented for new Child Care Subsidy Program applicants due to growing enrollment. Families who apply before that date and are approved can begin receiving services right away, making it important to act sooner rather than later.
What is DC’s Child Care subsidy program?
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education offers a Child Care Subsidy Program that provides financial assistance to families who are working or attending school in DC for child care. The initiative helps low- to moderate-income families, as well as those facing special circumstances that may require assistance, cover the cost of child care.
How does it work?
The program either pays all or part of the child care costs directly to the provider. Depending on income, the family may also pay a portion of the cost. Families can use subsidies to pay for care at a licensed child development facility or for in-home care. The goal of the program is to connect families within DC to more accessible, high-quality care and education.
Who qualifies?
For families to qualify, the program has specific requirements. You may qualify if:
- You are a Washington, DC, resident
- You are a United States citizen or have legal immigration status
- You have children between 6 weeks and 13 years old (or under 19 if the child has special needs)
- You are currently working, attending job training or education programs, seeking employment or have a child who is considered vulnerable or is receiving protective services
- You meet income requirements and have a gross income that is below 300% of the federal poverty leve
How to apply
To apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program, you can submit an online application through the DC Family Child Care Subsidy Portal, or in person at the DC Department of Human Services or at a Level II child care provider.
Families at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing homelessness can apply at the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center.
When applying, families will need to provide important documents:
- Identity verification: Government-issued ID, birth certificates or passports
- Child eligibility
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
Once submitted, it typically takes around 10 business days for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to confirm eligibility.
Starting May 12, 2026, a waitlist will be implemented for new program applicants in response to continued enrollment growth. Families that submit an application before the date may enroll if approved and can then receive services from their chosen provider. Those who submit an application after May 12 will be placed on a waitlist if approved.
Additional resources
In addition to the subsidy program, DC also offers tax credits designed to assist families with child care. The Child Tax Credit provides support in covering essential expenses like food, housing and child care. Legislation increased the provision in 2026 to up to $1,000 per dependent under the age of 18. There is also no cap on the credit, and it is fully refundable, allowing families to receive the full amount even if they have little or no income tax liability.
The DC Earned Income Tax Credit helps provide financial relief to low and moderate-income workers by offering a cash boost and reducing income tax liability. The credit works by matching a portion of the federal credit. Emergency legislation passed in 2025 increased the match rate to 100%, allowing families additional tax relief and income.
