Stage 2 child care
For parents who are transitioning off cash aid, or who have stable employment or approved activities. Current recipients remain eligible while they continue to meet income and need criteria.
For Families
Quality child care should be within every family's reach. We can help you find care — and help you pay for it.
Payment assistance programs
Our Alternative Payment (AP) programs help eligible families pay for child care. To receive subsidized child care and development services, families must meet both income eligibility and need requirements.
Stage 3 child care
Stage 3 is for parents who have exhausted their 24 months after CalWORKs discontinuance on Stage 2 funding, so support continues as your family moves forward.
Do we qualify? Quick check
Pick your family size to see the current gross income ceiling.
See the full income eligibility table
| Family size | Monthly income | Yearly income |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | $6,860 | $82,326 |
| 3 | $7,785 | $93,418 |
| 4 | $9,020 | $108,237 |
| 5 | $10,463 | $125,555 |
| 6 | $11,906 | $142,873 |
| 7 | $12,177 | $146,120 |
| 8 | $12,447 | $149,367 |
| 9 | $12,718 | $152,615 |
| 10 | $12,988 | $155,862 |
| 11 | $13,259 | $159,109 |
| 12 | $13,530 | $162,356 |
Need requirements
In addition to income eligibility, families must meet at least one of the following need criteria (5 CCR 18085):
- The child(ren) is (are) a recipient(s) of child protective services, or identified as being abused, neglected, or exploited, or at risk thereof
- The parent is employed
- The parent is seeking employment
- The family is experiencing homelessness
- The family is seeking permanent housing for family stability
- The parent is enrolled in vocational training
- The parent is enrolled in an educational program
- The parent is incapacitated