Child Care Subsidy

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Apply for Child Care Subsidy on CommonHelp

Apply through CommonHelp, the central, easy way to apply for and get help with assistance in Virginia. In just a few minutes, you can see if you can get help with food, child care, energy, medical and cash assistance.

Program Description

The Child Care Subsidy provides financial support, in the form of a subsidy, for childcare to lower-income families participating in an approved activity (working or attending school).

We provide a listing for licensed family child care homes and early childhood programs that accept the subsidy.

There is currently a waitlist for subsidized care. Families that receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or received TANF within the last 12 months are exempt from the waitlist.

Eligibility

• Arlington residents with low income who are working (part-time or full-time), looking for work, or going to school (post baccalaureate education or training is excluded)
• Children served must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
• Children served must be under age 13 or under age 18 if child has special needs
• Children must be age-appropriately immunized
• Household must meet annual income limits

Income Limits

Effective October 2026

Families that have at least one child under the age of 5 and not enrolled in kindergarten will have income screened at 85% of State Median Income (SMI).

Ways to Apply

• Apply in person at 2100 Washington Boulevard, 1st Floor, Arlington, VA 22204
• Call to schedule an appointment 703-228-1350
• Apply for Child Care Subsidy online at CommonHelp

Documents Required

• Complete application
• Verification of residence
• Verification of income
• Verification of employment and/or school enrollment status of child needing care
• Verification of U.S citizenship or qualified non-citizen status of child needing care