Presumptive Eligibility for Child Care Subsidies

Presumptive eligibility for child care subsidies is a policy that allows families to receive temporary child care assistance while their eligibility for the program is being determined. This means that families can get immediate financial assistance to pay for child care services, even as their application is being processed and verified. During this provisional period, families are allowed time to submit outstanding documents while getting access to much-needed care. As of June 2023, presumptive eligibility is available in four states and one county: Delaware, Maryland, Montana, Wyoming, and Monroe County in New York.

Learn more about the impacts of presumptive eligibility for child care subsidies, the possible outcomes, frequently asked questions about the policy, and the current status of the program in select states:

• Fact Sheet: How Presumptive Eligibility Can Help Families Access Child Care

• FAQ: Presumptive Eligibility in Child Care: Frequently Asked Questions

• State and County Profiles: Delaware, Montana, Wyoming, and Monroe County, New York