Child Care Assistance in Massachusetts

DTA is offered by the state of Massachusetts for families who need to work, find work or pursue an approved educational or work training program. To be eligible, you must receive or have received TAFDC within the past year. The only exceptions to the minimum work hours or schooling hours required are for those with disability or on maternity leave.EEC, a type of income-eligible child care assistance is also available for those who meet specific income levels. Children in in-need families under 13 years old may be eligible. Because the details of each offered service vary so much, visit the Child Care and Preschool Programs page on MassResources.org for more specifics.

How to get started:
To get started in the enrollment process, find the programs in your area by using the online Head Start Locator.

Many programs use the Federal Poverty Line as a guide for financial assistance with child care. If your annual income is at or below the poverty line, you may qualify for financial help. These are the guidelines:

• A family of 1 must make less than $11,490 per year.


• A family of 2 must make less than $15,510 per year.


• A family of 3 must make less than $19,530 per year.


• A family of 4 must make less than $23,550 per year.


• A family of 5 must make less than $27,570 per year.


• A family of 6 must make less than $31,590 per year.


• A family of 7 must make less than $35,610 per year.


• A family of 8 must make less than $39,630 per year.