CCDF Income Eligibility Calculator

What Is CCDF?

Child Care and Development Fund is a federal program that helps low-income families pay for child care.

The federal government gives money to states. Each state then runs its own child care subsidy program using those funds.

That means:

• The federal government sets maximum limits
• States set their own entry limits and rules
• Eligibility can vary depending on where you live

This is why an eligibility calculator must account for both federal and state thresholds.

How CCDF Income Eligibility Works

There are two main income tests:

1. State Entry Limit

Your state sets an income limit to decide who can apply.

States often use:

• 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• 185% of FPL
• 200% of FPL (common)
• 250% of FPL
• Or 85% of State Median Income (SMI)

2. Federal Maximum Limit (Hard Cap)

No state can approve a family if their income exceeds:

85% of State Median Income (SMI)

This is a federal rule. Even if a state wants to be flexible, it cannot approve families above this level.

Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Explained

Federal Poverty Level is a national income guideline updated every year.

For 2024 (contiguous 48 states):

• Base amount: $15,060
• Add $5,380 for each additional household member

The calculator uses these numbers to estimate your state’s income entry limit when you choose an FPL percentage.

State Median Income (SMI) Explained

State Median Income represents the middle income in your state. Half of families earn more, half earn less.

The calculator asks for:

Annual SMI for a family of 4 in your state

Then it adjusts that number based on your actual family size using federal scaling rules.

For example:

Then it calculates:

85% of your adjusted SMI = Federal Hard Cap

What the CCDF Income Eligibility Calculator Does

The calculator performs five steps:

Step 1: Collects Your Information

You enter:

• Family size
• Gross monthly income (before taxes)
• Your state’s entry rule
• State Median Income (SMI) for a family of 4

Step 2: Calculates Federal Hard Cap

It adjusts SMI based on your family size.

Then it multiplies that number by 85%.

This gives the maximum income allowed under federal law.

Step 3: Calculates State Entry Limit

If your state uses FPL:

It calculates:

FPL base + (extra per person × family size)

Then multiplies by your selected percentage (150%, 200%, etc.)

If your state uses 85% SMI:

The state limit equals the federal hard cap.

Step 4: Compares Your Income

The calculator checks your gross monthly income against:

• The state entry limit
• The federal hard cap

There are three possible results:

Likely Eligible

Your income is below both limits.

Likely Ineligible in Your State

Your income is below the federal cap but above your selected state limit.

Federally Ineligible

Your income exceeds 85% of SMI. No state can approve you.

Step 5: Calculates Maximum Co-Payment

Under federal rules, families cannot pay more than:

7% of their gross income

If you qualify, the calculator multiplies your income by 0.07.

Example:

Monthly income: $3,500
7% of income: $245

That is the maximum allowed monthly co-payment.

Your actual copay may be lower depending on your state.

Example Scenario

Let’s walk through a real example.

Family of 3

• Monthly income: $3,500
• State uses 200% FPL
• State Median Income (family of 4): $95,000

The calculator will:

1. Adjust SMI for family of 3 (84%)
2. Calculate 85% of that adjusted amount
3. Calculate 200% of FPL for 3 people
4. Compare income to both limits
5. Show status and maximum copay

Instead of guessing, families get a structured answer in seconds.

Why This Calculator Matters

Many families avoid applying because they assume:

• “We probably make too much.”
• “It’s complicated.”
• “I don’t understand the income rules.”

This calculator removes that uncertainty.

It shows:

• Where you stand
• Which rule applies
• Why you qualify or do not qualify

That clarity reduces stress.

Important Limitations

This tool is an estimate, not an official approval.

CCDF is administered by states. States may also consider:

• Work or school hours
• Immigration status
• Age of children
• Special needs
• Waiting lists

You must apply through your state’s lead child care agency for an official decision.

Who Should Use This Calculator?

This tool is helpful if you:

• Are working and paying for child care
• Have children under 13
• Want to check income eligibility before applying
• Recently had a change in income
• Live in a state with changing CCDF policies

It is especially useful for families on the edge of eligibility.

Common Questions

Is gross or net income used?

Gross income. That means before taxes.

Does family size include adults?

Yes. Include adults and dependent children.

What if my state uses a different percentage?

Select the closest option available, or choose 85% SMI if that is your state’s rule.

Is the 7% copay guaranteed?

No. It is the maximum allowed under federal law. Your state may charge less.