Child Care, Head Start, and Family Assistance Programs
Raising kids is expensive, and there's more help available than most families realize. From free preschool to child care subsidies to a tax credit worth up to $2,200 per child, these programs can meaningfully lower the cost of raising a family. Here's what's available and how to apply.
Head Start
No fee for Head Start
There is no cost to eligible families for Head Start — ever.
Child Tax Credit (2026)
Up to $2,200
Per qualifying child under 17. Partially refundable — claim it even with no tax owed.
Key Family & Child Care Programs
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What It Is
Subsidized child care that helps low-income working families pay for care so parents can work or attend school. Administered by states.
Who Qualifies
Low-income working families (income limits vary by state, commonly up to ~85% of state median income). Parents must generally be working, in training, or in school.
What You Get
Subsidy that covers a large share of child care costs; families typically pay a modest co-payment based on income and family size.
How to Apply
Apply through your state child care subsidy agency. Waitlists exist in many states — apply even if you’re told the list is long.
Head Start / Early Head StartU.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What It Is
Free early education, meals, and health support. Head Start serves ages 3–5; Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under 3.
Who Qualifies
At or below the federal poverty guidelines is the primary route, but it is not the only one. A program may enroll up to 35% of participants from families between 100% and 130% of poverty, and up to a further 10% from families who would benefit regardless of income. Enrollment is automatic for families receiving TANF or SSI, for children in foster care, and for children experiencing homelessness. The poverty guideline is $33,000 a year for a family of four in 2026, so a family of four earning up to $42,900 may still be enrolled under the over-income allowance — ask the program rather than assuming you are over the line.
What You Get
High-quality preschool plus meals, developmental and health screenings, and family support. A Head Start program cannot charge a fee for Head Start services. It may charge for services beyond them, such as child care outside the funded hours.
How to Apply
Find a program with the Head Start Center Locator at headstart.gov/center-locator or call 1-866-763-6481. Contact programs directly to enroll.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)Internal Revenue Service
What It Is
A tax credit of up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17 for 2026. Partially refundable — you can get money back even if you owe no income tax.
Who Qualifies
Parents or guardians of a child under 17 with a valid Social Security number. Begins phasing out above $200,000 (single) / $400,000 (married filing jointly).
What You Get
Up to $2,200 per child, with a substantial refundable portion paid as cash to families who owe little or no tax.
How to Apply
Claim it on your federal tax return (Form 1040, Schedule 8812). File even if your income is low — the refund is the reason to file.
Child Support Enforcement ServicesState child support agency
What It Is
State services that help establish paternity, set up a child support order, and locate a parent to collect and enforce support payments.
Who Qualifies
Any parent or caregiver who needs to establish or collect child support. Services are available to families regardless of income.
What You Get
Free or low-cost services to establish, collect, and enforce support — including wage withholding and locating a non-paying parent.
How to Apply
Apply through your state or local child support agency (find yours via the federal Office of Child Support Services).
Foster Care & Adoption AssistanceState child welfare agency
What It Is
Monthly payments and Medicaid coverage to help families care for children in foster care or adopted children with special needs.
Who Qualifies
Foster families, and families adopting children with special needs (adoption assistance can include ongoing monthly payments and Medicaid).
What You Get
Monthly maintenance payments plus Medicaid for the child; amounts vary by state and the child’s needs.
How to Apply
Work with your state or county child welfare / social services agency, which administers foster care and adoption assistance.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)U.S. Department of Agriculture
What It Is
Nutrition assistance, food benefits, healthcare referrals, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
Who Qualifies
Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5 with household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
What You Get
Monthly food benefits plus formula, nutrition education, and health referrals. See our Food & Utilities page for full details.
How to Apply
Find a WIC clinic near you at fna.usda.gov/wic/locator, or your state agency at fna.usda.gov/wic/program-contacts. WIC is run by state agencies, so there is no national phone line.
Two things worth knowing
- →Head Start is free — there is no cost to eligible families, ever. If a program asks eligible families to pay for core services, something is wrong.
- →CCDF waitlists exist in many states. Apply even if you're told the list is long — your spot in line only starts once you apply.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
TurboTax — Claim the Child Tax Credit
Guided tax filing that automatically calculates the Child Tax Credit and its refundable portion, so you don’t leave money behind.
Start filing with TurboTax →*"The Opposite of Spoiled" (Amazon)
A well-reviewed guide to raising grounded, generous kids and talking to them about money.
View on Amazon →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.