Payment Assistance

Dear Families in Arkansas, Tennessee, & Virginia,

Did you know that you may be eligible for free or reduced child care? These states offer assistance for working and/or student parents who meet certain criteria.

Thank you so much for trusting us to be your childcare provider. We value your partnership, and are dedicated to helping your family each step of the way.  

State Requirements & Information

Arkansas Families
Tennessee Families
Virginia Families

The State of Arkansas Department of Human Services, and the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education offers assistance for qualifying working and/or student parents through the Child Care Payment Assistance program. There are certain requirements that determine eligibility, including the following:

  • Each adult residing in the household must be employed at least 30 hour per week, or be enrolled and attending high school, college, GED classes, vocational school, or a training program as a full time student. A combination of school and work is acceptable if the individual is involved at a minimum of 30 hours.
  • Have an eligible child. Program serves children from birth through 12 years of age.
  • Household gross income must be below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income (SMI) for Arkansas (see chart below).

The State of Tennessee Department of Human Services offers assistance for qualifying working and/or student parents through the Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance program. There are certain requirements that determine eligibility, including the following:

  • Must be employed no less than 30 hours per week, or be enrolled and attending a post secondary education program full time, or a combination of employment and post-secondary education.
  • Must have a child between ages six (6) weeks through five (5) years old.
  • Household gross income must be below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income (SMI) for Tennessee (see chart below).
    Eligibility for assistance is based on program requirements and availability of funding.

Click here to learn more

Click here to apply online

Click here for paper application (take to local TDHS office)

If you have questions about child care payment assistance, you may email the TNDHS at childcare.certificate.dhs@tn.gov.

The Child Care Subsidy Program assists families with child care costs for children under age 13 who meet certain criteria. If you are eligible and approved, the Subsidy Program can cover a portion of your child care costs directly to the child care provider. If you have a child age 5 or younger who hasn't started kindergarten yet, you may also be eligible for financial assistance!

Follow the links below for more details on the eligibility requirements, and application process.