Note: New income-eligible voucher authorizations from the waitlist are currently on hold. See The Waitlist (0.4) for details.

To receive childcare financial assistance in Massachusetts, your family needs to meet four basic requirements. Think of these as four boxes you need to check:

The Four Requirements

1. Income

Your family's total gross income must be within the program's limits, based on your family size. The limits are based on a number called the State Median Income (SMI).

• New applicants (as of January 2026): Your income must be at or below 85% of SMI
• Families already receiving assistance: Your income must be at or below 85% of SMI at the time of your reassessment to remain eligible

For exact dollar amounts by family size, see Income Eligibility (1.2).

Not sure where you land? Try the Eligibility Calculator — it walks you through family size and income and shows where you fall on the SMI chart. It doesn't determine eligibility (only your CCR&R can do that), but it can help you understand where you stand before you call.

2. Service Need (An Approved Activity)

Both parents in the household must be doing an approved activity — a reason you need childcare. This includes:

• Working at least 25 hours/week — paid employment, self-employment, or military (20 for a part-time voucher)
• Going to school (high school, GED, ESOL, college, vocational training) - typically carries a 10 hours/week requirement, but can be dependent on program
• Referral from DTA - These are typically issued if you are receiving cash assistance from DTA
• Receiving protective services (DCF, domestic violence, homelessness)
• Having a documented disability that prevents you from other full-time qualifying activities

You can combine activities (like working part-time and going to school part-time) to meet the requirement.

Working between 15 and 25 hours per week? You may qualify for Pathway to Full-Time Employment, a service need that provides a 12-month authorization for full-time care while you work toward increasing your hours or finding more stable employment. See Service Need (1.3).

Don't have an approved activity yet? You may still qualify for a 12-week provisional authorization to find and certify one.

For details, see Service Need (1.3).

3. Residency

You must live in Massachusetts. Your childcare must also be provided within Massachusetts (with limited exceptions).

4. Child's Age and Citizenship

• Your child must be under 13 years old (or under 16 if they have a documented disability)
• Your child's citizenship or immigration status must be verified

Important: Only your child's citizenship/immigration status is necessary. Your immigration status as a parent does not affect your child's eligibility. If your child has non-traditional documentation, contact your CCR&R for help. They may be able to request approval on specific documentation by contacting EEC on your behalf.

What About My Family's Assets?

Your family's assets (savings, property, investments) must not exceed $1,000,000. This is a high threshold that most applicant families will not need to worry about.

The asset requirement is waived for families referred through DTA, DCF, or experiencing homelessness.

Who Is Exempt From Some Requirements?

Certain families have modified eligibility rules:

Family type	What's different
DTA/TAFDC or SNAP families	DTA referral covers most eligibility requirements. No parent fee. Asset requirement waived.
DCF families	DCF referral covers eligibility. No parent fee during active case. Asset requirement waived.
Families experiencing homelessness	Qualify for full-time care regardless of service need. No parent fee. Asset requirement waived.
Domestic violence situations	Qualify for full-time care. Priority access.
Young parents (under 24)	Special program with priority waitlist access. Must be in school, GED, or post-diploma activity.
Caregivers (non-parent guardians)	Exempt from financial eligibility guidelines (with some exceptions).

A Note About Eligibility

This page helps you understand whether you might qualify. Only your CCR&R can officially determine your eligibility. Every family's situation is different, and there may be factors that aren't covered here.

If you think you might qualify — even if you're not sure — apply. The worst that happens is you're told you don't qualify right now, and you can ask what would need to change.

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Next Steps

• Estimate where your income lands: Try the Eligibility Calculator
• Check the income limits for your family size: See Income Eligibility (1.2)
• Find out if your activity qualifies: See Service Need (1.3)
• See what documents you'll need: See What Documents Do I Need? (1.4)
• Ready to apply? See How to Apply (1.5)
• Not sure who to contact? See Who Does What? (0.2)