Tennessee child care payment assistance
Help paying for child care for working families with low income, students and families in Families First.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to TN.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Tennessee families with income under the program limit who are working or in school, with children under 13.
Exact income limits and rules are set by Tennessee Department of Human Services and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal.
- Choose a participating child care provider.
What to have ready
- Proof of income
- Proof of work or school
- Children's birth certificates
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. It's a free or low-cost service, not a loan.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- Tennessee Department of Human Services makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check TN.gov for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with Tennessee Department of Human Services.