Purchase of Care
Delaware’s Purchase of Care program subsidizes child care expenses for early learning and after-school care to help low-income families with children under the age of 13. The Division of Social Services (DSS) determines eligibility based on a family’s income and need for service. DSS pays a portion of the childcare cost directly to the child care provider. Families pay a weekly co-pay, determined by their income and need. Families must select a child care provider (center or home-based) that accepts Purchase of Care payments.
Eligibility for Child Care Support
Child care services are available for children under the age of 13. The Division of Social Services determines eligibility based on a family’s income and need for service.
To be financially eligible for child care assistance, a family’s gross monthly income must be at or below 225% of the federal poverty level for the family size.
If a family’s gross monthly income has increased to between 200% and 325% of the federal poverty level at their yearly redetermination, then the family will receive a graduated phase-out of child care assistance for a 12-month period before the child care case is closed.
Any time that a family’s gross monthly income exceeds 85% of the state median income, or the family no longer has a need for child care assistance, the child care case will close.
What if My Child Has a Special Need?
Families whose child has special needs may complete a Child Care Medical Certification Form to determine eligibility for child care support beyond age 13.
Income Limits
PURCHASE OF CARE INCOME LIMITS
OCTOBER 1, 2026 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2027
At application, the maximum gross monthly income limit is 225% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). At redetermination, the maximum gross monthly income limit is 325% of the FPL. Families remain eligible for child care if their income exceeds the income limit during authorization but remains below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI). Monthly family copayment amounts are based on your countable income.
| Family Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income at Application (225% FPL) | Maximum Gross Monthly Income at Redetermination (325% FPL) | Maximum Gross Monthly Income during Authorization (85% SMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,993 | $4,323 | $4,767 |
| 2 | $4,059 | $5,863 | $6,234 |
| 3 | $5,123 | $7,400 | $7,701 |
| 4 | $6,188 | $8,938 | $9,168 |
| 5 | $7,254 | $10,478 | $10,634 |
| 6 | $8,318 | $12,015 | $12,101 |
| 7 | $9,383 | $13,553 | $12,376 |
| 8 | $10,449 | $15,093 | $12,651 |
| 9 | $11,516 | $16,634 | $12,926 |
| 10 | $12,582 | $18,174 | $13,201 |
| 11 | $13,649 | $19,715 | $13,476 |
| 12 | $14,715 | $21,255 | $13,751 |
| 13 | $15,782 | $22,796 | $14,026 |
| 14 | $16,848 | $24,336 | $14,301 |
| 15 | $17,915 | $25,877 | $14,576 |
| 16 | $18,981 | $27,417 | $14,851 |
| 17 | $20,048 | $28,958 | $15,126 |
| 18 | $21,114 | $30,498 | $15,401 |
Purchase of Care Child Care Rates
| Statewide | Family home | Center | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Weekly | Daily | Weekly | |
| Infant (0) | $48.95 | $244.75 | $71.50 | $357.50 |
| Toddler (1) | $44.00 | $220.00 | $63.80 | $319.00 |
| Pre-school (2 to 5) | $44.00 | $220.00 | $56.10 | $280.50 |
| School Age (6 & Over) Full-time | $32.00 | $160.00 | $38.00 | $190.00 |
| School Age (6 & Over) Part-time | $20.00 | $100.00 | $27.00 | $135.00 |
| Infant Special Need (0) | $60.75 | $303.75 | $88.73 | $443.65 |
| Toddler Special Need (1) | $56.23 | $281.15 | $79.17 | $395.85 |
| Preschool Special Need (2 to 5) | $56.23 | $281.15 | $72.40 | $362.00 |
| School Age Special Need (6 & Over) FT | $40.32 | $201.60 | $47.88 | $239.40 |
| School Age Special Need (6 & Over) PT | $25.20 | $126.00 | $34.02 | $170.10 |
How to Apply for Purchase of Care
Use the ASSIST self-service portal to determine eligibility and apply for child care support through Delaware’s Purchase of Care program. You may also visit any Delaware State Service Center.
How to Choose a Child Care Provider
Choosing the right program for your child is one of the most important parenting decisions you will make. To find a State-licensed child care center or family home that accepts Purchase of Care, view this list.
You may also find helpful information in making informed choices regarding child care through Delaware’s comprehensive consumer education website, My Child DE.
For help choosing child care, visit Children and Families First or call 1-800-220-3092.
What Should I Look for in a Quality Child Care Provider?
Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system created to help child care and early education programs measure, improve and communicate the quality of their service.
Information on Child Care Costs
- CCDF Plan for Delaware FFY 2026-2027
- Plan del Fondo para el Cuidado Infantil y el Desarrollo (CCDF)
- 2024 Delaware Local Child Care Market Rate Survey: Final Report
- 2024 Cost of Care Study Final Report
- 2024 Cost of Care Calculator for Center-based Services
- 2024 Cost of Care Calculator for Family Child Care-based Services
- Cost of Quality Estimator Tool Report
Child Care Provider Reimbursement Rates
The Division of Social Services used the 2024 Delaware Local Child Care Market Rate Survey results to set the provider reimbursement rates for child care services subsidized by the State. The child care reimbursement rates are based on the providers geographical location, the ages of the children served, and the hours of care. DSS established the child care reimbursement rates to ensure that low-income families receiving child care subsidy have equal access to early education and care.
Purchase of Care Provider Handbook
