Financial Aid and Subsidies in Washington
Program 1 - Working Connections Child Care
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Who Qualifies?
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Income Limit: Total household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) at application. (Note: Childcare staff working at licensed centers/homes may qualify up to 85% SMI with a $0 copay).
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Approved Activities: Parents or caregivers must participate in an approved activity, such as:
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Working or self-employment
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Attending high school, GED courses, or approved higher education/vocational training
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Participating in WorkFirst or Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET)
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Being in the first 12 months of a state-registered apprenticeship
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Child Eligibility: Children from birth through age 12 (or up to age 18 if they have special needs).
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Homelessness Waiver: Families experiencing housing instability or homelessness receive up to 12 months of childcare with a $0 copay and are exempt from work hour minimums.
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How Co-Pays Work
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If approved for WCCC, families pay a monthly copay directly to their childcare provider based on household size and gross income (before tax).
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Income Band (% of SMI) to Estimated Monthly Copay
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0% – 20% SMI: $0/month
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20% – 36% SMI: $65/month
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36% – 50% SMI: $90/month
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50% – 60% SMI: $165/month
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Special Cases (Childcare workers up to 85% SMI, Homelessness waiver): $0/month
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How to Apply Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose Your Application Method
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Online (Fastest): Apply 24/7 on Washington Connection.
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By Phone: Call the DCYF Subsidy Contact Center at 1-844-626-8687 (free interpreter support available in over 200 languages).
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In Person: Visit your local Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Community Services Office.
Step 2: Prepare Your Proof Documents
You will need to submit or verify the following:
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Proof of Income: Paystubs from the last 30 days, tax returns (if self-employed), or school/apprenticeship schedules.
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Proof of Household Members: Lease agreement, landlord statement, or birth certificates for children.
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Proof of Residency: Utility bill, Washington State ID, or official mail showing your current address.
Step 3: Link Your Provider
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You do not need a provider chosen before you apply!
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Once approved, give DCYF the provider's Provider ID or License Number. DCYF will issue an authorization letter confirming the start date and monthly copay.
Program 2 - Seattle Child Care Assistance Program
Program 3 - Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)
If you reside within the City of Seattle, you may qualify for local city vouchers in addition to or as an alternative to state aid.
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Income Eligibility: Covers families earning up to 110% State Median Income (SMI).
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Key Feature: Welcomes all families regardless of citizenship or immigration status; city staff do not request citizenship information.
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How to Apply: Apply directly through the City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning portal.
A state tax refund program that puts extra cash back into the pockets of working mothers to help cover living and childcare expenses.
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Benefit Amount: Up to $1,255 per year depending on income and number of qualifying children.
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ITIN Friendly: Families who file taxes with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) are fully eligible—a Social Security Number (SSN) is not required.
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How to Apply: File online through the Washington Department of Revenue or request free tax assistance through local community action agencies.