Help paying for child care in Vermont
The Child Care Financial Assistance Program, run by the Department for Children and Families, helps families pay for regulated child care. Families with incomes up to 575% of the federal poverty level may qualify, and many pay a weekly share based on their income.
Who may qualify
- You live in Vermont.
- You have a reason for child care that the program accepts (aservice need).
- You use regulated child care: a licensed or registered program.
- Your family has less than $1 million in assets.
- Your family’s gross monthly income is at or under the state’s guidelines, from Mar 22, 2026:
| People in family | No weekly share, monthly income up to | May qualify, monthly income up to |
|---|---|---|
| 3 or fewer | $3,984 | $13,091 |
| 4 | $4,813 | $15,813 |
| 5 | $5,641 | $18,534 |
| 6 or more | $6,469 | $21,256 |
Source: Child Care Financial Assistance income guidelines, effective Mar 22, 2026. The state gives monthly figures; the program makes the final decision. The income guidelines are waived for children with an Adoption Assistance Agreement and for legal guardians who receive a Reach Up Child Only grant.
What families pay
Families at or under 175% of the federal poverty level (the middle column above) pay no weekly family share. Above that, the share starts at $50 a week and rises in steps of $25 with income, up to $425 a week at the top of the guidelines. Ask each program what you would pay each week.
Source: the weekly family share column of the income guidelines.
How to apply
- Check whether you may qualify with the state’s eligibility screener.
- Apply online in the CDDIS Parent Portal, or fill out the paper application and take or mail it to your local community child care support agency.
- If your family gets Reach Up, ask your case manager first: they may be able to approve assistance without an application.
- Choose a regulated program. The state’s list doesn’t say which programs take part, so ask each one.