Help Paying for Child Care

Children’s Council offers a variety of child care financial assistance programs to partially or completely cover the costs of care for children from birth until age 13. Eligibility is based on family-size and income. Families may be eligible regardless of immigration status. Child care options vary depending on the type of financial assistance for which you qualify.

Please contact our counselors to learn about your options and how to apply. A valid birthdate is required for a child to be eligible.

If you’re wondering how and when Prop C might affect you personally, you can read our FAQ page here.

Income Requirements for most State and Local Subsidies

If your household income is less than the amount listed here, you may qualify:

Family Size	1-2	3	4	5
Gross (pre-tax) Monthly Income	$5,067	$5,467	$6,383	$7,404

*San Francisco’s Preschool for All program is available to families at all income levels.

As the June 2018 ballot measure (Prop C) to support early care and education rolls out over the next 12+ months, we anticipate families with higher gross monthly incomes may qualify for financial assistance. If your income falls below the following income thresholds, we encourage you to apply as soon as you know you’ll need assistance. A valid birthdate is required for a child to be eligible.

Family Size	1-2	3	4	5
Gross (pre-tax) Monthly Income	$7,896	$8,888	$9,871	$10,663

Family Fees

Depending on your gross monthly income, your child care subsidy may require you to pay a portion of your subsidy; this is called a family fee. The following table shows family fee increments according to gross monthly income and family size. Click here to view the family fee table.

Apply for Financial Assistance

Take the first step to see if you qualify for financial assistance for early child care and education: click here to apply. Families will be contacted as child care spaces become available.

Children’s Council is here to help! Please contact our counselors to learn more: