Child Care Assistance in Maryland

Maryland’s Child Care Subsidy Program is meant to help eligible working families afford child care. Families must meet specific income guidelines. In early 2013, the state expanded their income requirements, which now reach above the Federal Poverty Line. Now, a family of three, for example, is eligible for Maryland’s child Care Subsidy Program with an income below $23,676 per year. In order to participate in the program, you must be willing to have your child immunized in accordance with the state’s general immunization standards. Teen parents and non-parent guardians are still able to meet the financial income guidelines if they make less than $5,000 per year above the annual limit. For more information, visit Maryland’s Child Care Subsidy Branch.

How to get started:
To get started in the enrollment process, find the programs in your area by using the online Head Start Locator.

Many programs use the Federal Poverty Line as a guide for financial assistance with child care. If your annual income is at or below the poverty line, you may qualify for financial help. These are the guidelines:

• A family of 1 must make less than $11,490 per year.


• A family of 2 must make less than $15,510 per year.


• A family of 3 must make less than $19,530 per year.


• A family of 4 must make less than $23,550 per year.


• A family of 5 must make less than $27,570 per year.


• A family of 6 must make less than $31,590 per year.


• A family of 7 must make less than $35,610 per year.


• A family of 8 must make less than $39,630 per year.