Frequently asked questions
What are child care benefits?
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) helps eligible Massachusetts families pay for child care and out-of-school time programs through federal and state funding. The child care benefit is sometimes called a subsidy or voucher. The funding is referred to as Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA).
If you are eligible, this benefit goes directly to your child's child care and/or out-of-school time program each month. You may have a parent fee depending on your family size and income. Many families have no fees. Learn more about parent fees.
How long will it take to receive benefits?
Families who may qualify are placed on the statewide waitlist.
We cannot provide an exact time frame. Funding depends on availability and several factors, including the date you applied. You can check your case status any time in the MyChildCareMA portal.
We know child care is important. While you are waiting, you may be eligible for other early education and care resources. Learn about other resources.
Can my children get benefits if I’m not a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen?
Child Care Financial Assistance is considered a benefit for children, not adults. Even if you, as a parent or caregiver, are not a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, it is safe for you to apply for and receive benefits for an eligible child.
Parents do not have to provide proof of citizenship status for themselves as part of the application process. The application will ask about your child’s citizenship. Children who are U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens are eligible for child care benefits.
Getting child care benefits will not be counted or used against you when applying for a green card or citizenship. Information given to EEC is not shared with immigration officials.
Who is a citizen or qualified non-citizen?
Your child is eligible for, or able to receive, benefits if they are:
- Born in the United States (U.S.), or
- Born to at least one U.S. citizen parent who lived in the U.S. for a period of time, or
- Has been naturalized, or
- Has a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or
- Has refugee or asylum status, or
- Paroled into the U.S. for at least one year, or
- Admitted into the U.S. as a victim of human trafficking and/or certain crimes (e.g., people with a T-visa or U-visa)
Your family admin will tell you what documents may be required to prove citizenship or qualified non-citizenship status.
Glossary of terms
Child care benefits: Formally referred to as Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA), child care benefits help eligible Massachusetts families enroll in and directly pay for child care and out-of-school time programs.
Eligibility: Eligibility is your ability to receive benefits. If your household is eligible for benefits, it means they meet EEC program requirements and can likely join the waitlist and/or receive child care.
Household: People in your household must live with you. Your household can include your children, the other parent or caregiver, and anyone who relies on you financially.
Service need: A service need is an EEC-approved reason for why your household needs child care. Learn more about service needs.
Parent or caregiver: A parent or caregiver has a responsibility to supervise and care for your children. They must live with you. This can include:
- Your spouse, even if they aren’t a biological parent
- Child’s legal guardian
- Child’s foster or stepparent
- Child’s biological or adoptive parent
Need support?
If you would like to speak with a family admin about your case, please call Mass211 at 877-211-6277. We're here to support you.