Child Care Assistance

Check your eligibility and apply for benefits through Ohio's Self-Service Portal

Child Care Calls to Be Routed to Family Assistance Call Center

Effective Monday, April 18, customers will no longer be able to make direct calls to Child Care Workers. To speak directly with an agency representative regarding Child Care, customers are to call 844-640-6446. Some case-specific inquiries will be forwarded to the Child Care worker for follow-up.

More details (PDF) on this change, along with other options for communicating with agency staff

We Can Help You Find Safe, Affordable Child Care

Choosing child care services can be one of the toughest decisions for young parents. Is the provider trustworthy? Is it affordable, and is it a safe environment?

It's important to find a good place to care for your children while you are at work or school. Montgomery County Job and Family Services is ready to assist you with this significant task so you can focus on becoming self-sufficient. We can help you find a star-rated childcare center in your area. We can also assist eligible families by paying part of the cost, whether you choose a childcare center or a licensed home provider.

Detailed information can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

Our Services

Childcare provider referrals
Facilitate licensing of home providers
Financial help for eligible parents or caregivers

Parents or caregivers who are working or going to school may qualify for childcare payments to cover part of the cost if they meet income guidelines. Families' gross monthly income level must be at or below 142% of the Federal Poverty Level when they first apply. Families that care for a child with a verified special need must have a gross monthly income level that is at or below 150% of the FPL.

You only need to re-apply once a year, and you may continue to be eligible for subsidized child care until your income exceeds 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.

This chart shows 142%, 150%, and 300% (gross monthly income, not take home) of the Federal Poverty Level

Family Size	Maximum Monthly Income Limit for Initial Eligibility (142%)	Maximum Monthly Income Limit for Special Need Eligibility (150%)	Maximum Monthly Income Limit for Ongoing Eligibility (300%)
2	$2,167	$2,289	$4,578
3	$2,726	$2,879	$5,758
4	$3,284	$3,469	$6,938
5	$3,843	$4,059	$8,118
6	$4,401	$4,649	$9,298
7	$4,960	$5,239	$10,478
8	$5,518	$5,829	$11,658

These amounts are determined using the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines as published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2022.

Documentation Needed

Income verification for last 30 days and/or employer letter
Driver's license or state ID
Verification of school attendance (if appropriate)
Copies of children's birth certificates and Social Security cards

If you are receiving Ohio Works First cash assistance, there is no need for certain identity verifications.

Apply online or print an application. If you need to report a change, you can print the Child Care Change Report Form (PDF).

Applications and change report forms can be mailed to:

P.O. Box 972
Dayton, Ohio 45422

They can also be faxed to 937-225-6465 or submitted via email, or you can submit in person through our drop box in front of the Family Assistance entrance to The Job Center.

Through the blue door at The Job Center, Family Assistance customers can access a general information desk, the Resource Room, Quick Scan Room, and a Forms Room with 13 of the most-used FAD forms. The Resource Room is open to walk-ins and equipped with 10 computers, six phones, and JFS staff. For more information, call 937-496-7759.

Chat live with a Child Care representative
Representatives are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to noon.