More help is on the way for children and their families, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the expansion of free or low-cost childcare to 105,000 more Michigan children. As an example, working families of four earning up to $49,000 will now be eligible for free or low-cost childcare.
In addition to expanded eligibility, the amount a family contributes toward the cost of child care is being waived until September 30, 2022. This lifts some of the financial burden on the nearly 40,000 families currently receiving state childcare support.
Eligible families must apply to receive childcare support through the Child Development & Care Program, commonly called the childcare subsidy. To qualify, families must be income eligible, have a child under age 12, and have a qualifying need, such as working or going to school.
Do you need help paying for childcare?
To participate in the Child Development and Care (CDC) program, you must:
1. Have a qualifying need for childcare. This includes
- Working
- Taking college classes
- Finishing high school program like GED, ESL or ABE
- Taking trade or vocational classes
- Participating in an approved counseling or treatment program
2. Have a qualifying income (families must earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level).
- Family of 2: $2,686 monthly, $32,232 annually
- Family of 3: $3,386 monthly, $40,632 annually
- Family of 4: $4,085 monthly, $49,020 annually
- Visit Michigan.gov/childcare and review the Child Development and Care Handbook for income eligibility for larger households.
3. Apply at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.
The Child Development and Care program pays childcare providers an hourly rate for care, but it may not cover the full cost. You may be expected to pay the remaining amount that the subsidy does not cover.
If you have questions about whether you qualify or how to apply, visit Michigan.gov/childcare.