Program

Child Care Works

Verified · October 23, 2026 Deadline soon — check dates

Organization

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) / Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)

Who qualifies

You must live in Pennsylvania; have a child or children who need child care while you work or attend an education program; meet the income guidelines for your family size; work or train at least 20 hours a week (which can include 10 hours of work and 10 hours of training; teen parents must be enrolled in an education program full-time); have a promise of a job that will start within 30 days of your application; and have proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home. The child who needs care must be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency. Children are eligible from birth until the day before their 13th birthday; children with disabilities may be eligible through age 18.

Income limits

At application, the annual income for a family to be eligible is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Exit at redetermination (RULES_LOCK; 55 Pa. Code 3042.31): a family becomes ineligible when income is above 235% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines or 85% of State Median Income, whichever is less; a family is also ineligible if its assets exceed $1M.

Documents needed

Proof of identification for each parent or caretaker in the home.

How to apply

Apply online through COMPASS, or submit an application to your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) by mail, fax, or hand-delivery (application available in English and Spanish). You can also call the CCW Helpline at 877-472-5437. ELRCs will help families understand whether they are eligible.

Languages

Application available in English and Spanish on the pa.gov Child Care Works page.

Cost

You may pay part of the cost, called a copayment, depending on your income and the number of people in your family. If the subsidy does not pay the full amount your child care program charges, the provider may ask you to pay the difference between the subsidy payment and their private charges.

Last verified

October 23, 2026

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