Childcare Subsidies in Indiana
Financial assistance programs to help Indiana families pay for daycare and childcare.
Indiana On My Way Pre-K / CCDF Vouchers
On My Way Pre-K for low-income 4-year-olds.
Am I Eligible?
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in Indiana
Application Process
Apply for Indiana's CCDF vouchers through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) online at in.gov/fssa/carefinder. You can also apply in person at your local FSSA office. The online system is functional and allows document uploads. You will need proof of Indiana residency, income documentation (last 4 pay stubs or tax returns), Social Security numbers, child birth certificates, and a letter from your employer confirming your work schedule. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Co-Pay Structure
Indiana's co-pay is based on a sliding fee scale using family size and gross income. The income ceiling is $53,700 for a family of four. Families below the poverty line pay minimal co-pays ($10-$20/week). Near the ceiling, co-pays can be $80-$120/week per child. Indiana offers reduced co-pays for families using Paths to QUALITY rated providers (the state's QRIS), incentivizing higher-quality care. Co-pays are recalculated at 12-month redetermination.
Waitlist Reality
Indiana generally does not maintain a statewide waitlist, and most eligible families are served within 2-4 weeks of application approval. However, the state has experienced periodic funding shortfalls that can slow placements. Provider availability varies; Indianapolis and surrounding suburbs have good networks, but rural southern Indiana and smaller communities have fewer licensed options.
Additional Programs in Indiana
Indiana's On My Way Pre-K program provides free preschool for low-income 4-year-olds (family income at or below 127% FPL). It operates in most Indiana counties and is lottery-based, so apply early (typically January-March for fall enrollment). Head Start is available statewide. Indiana also has the Early Childhood Education Grant for expanding pre-K slots. The Paths to QUALITY rating system helps families identify higher-quality providers. Some Indiana employers, particularly in the manufacturing sector, have started offering childcare benefits.
Tips for Indiana Parents
If your child is 4, apply for On My Way Pre-K first (it is completely free if you qualify), then use the CCDF voucher for before/after care. Apply for On My Way Pre-K early in the year since it is lottery-based and slots fill quickly. Choose a Paths to QUALITY Level 3 or 4 provider for your voucher to get a co-pay reduction. If you work non-traditional hours (nights, weekends), Indiana allows vouchers to be used at licensed home-based providers who may offer more flexible schedules.
Federal Programs Available Everywhere
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Claim 20-35% of childcare expenses on your federal taxes.
Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
Employer-sponsored pre-tax account for childcare expenses. Reduces taxable income.
Head Start / Early Head Start
Free federally funded program for children from low-income families. Head Start: ages 3-5. Early Head Start: birth to 3.
Eligibility: At or below federal poverty level (family of 4: ~$31,200 in 2024).
See Daycare Costs in Indiana
Compare childcare prices across 92 counties in Indiana. Center-based infant care averages N/A/year.
View Indiana daycare costs →