03/29/2024

California to raise income limits to allow more children to qualify for subsidized child care

The budget approved Thursday by the state Legislature responds to a long-sought demand from child care advocates that California raise the income eligibility limit so more low-income families qualify for subsidized child care.

The budget for the coming fiscal year requires the Department of Finance to calculate income eligibility for subsidized child care based on the most recent state median income information. It will also adjust that number based on family size.

Families in California are eligible for state-subsidized child care if their total family income does not exceed a certain percentage of the state median income. However, California has not increased its income eligibility limit since the 2007-08 fiscal year.

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