Last updated: October 30, 2026
Bottom line
Michigan’s main child care help program is the Child Development and Care scholarship, often called CDC. It can pay part of approved child care costs when you need care so you can work, look for work, go to school, finish GED or ESL classes, take approved training, or take part in an approved family preservation activity.
Apply through MI Bridges. Use the state eligibility calculator as a screening tool, but remember that MDHHS makes the final decision. If your income is too high for CDC, ask about MI Tri-Share. If your child is 4, also check free PreK through GSRP. If your child is birth to 5, check Head Start or Early Head Start.
This guide is for single mothers, single parents, caregivers, and low-income families in Michigan. For a broader overview, see ASMOM’s child care guide and the main Michigan help guide.
If you need child care fast
Apply for CDC right away if you may qualify, but do not wait for approval before making backup calls. Child care slots can fill quickly, and the CDC application can take time.
- Call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211, or search Michigan 211 for child care, transportation, food, rent, utility, and emergency referrals.
- Call Great Start to Quality at 877-614-7328 or use the child care search to look for licensed care, quality information, and free PreK options.
- If you already applied, check MI Bridges for missing tasks and contact your county MDHHS office if a notice is unclear.
- If the problem also involves food, rent, utilities, or safety, use ASMOM’s Michigan emergency help page too.
What changed for 2026
Michigan published an updated CDC income chart in August 2026. The entry limits below now use that chart rather than the older 2025 figures. Michigan also changed how licensed providers bill for a child’s absences starting October 1, 2026. These rules affect providers; they do not mean parents may skip a provider’s payment terms. The parent handbook says most complete applications are decided within 30 calendar days. Ask MDHHS when your decision is due.
Where to start
Start with CDC
Use MI Bridges if you need help paying for care while you work, look for work, study, train, or finish an approved education activity. Upload proof as soon as you can.
Look for care early
Ask providers if they accept CDC, have openings, match your schedule, and can explain what you may still owe after the state payment.
Check free programs
For a 4-year-old, check GSRP. For babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and pregnant parents, check Head Start or Early Head Start.
Keep a document folder
Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to gather income proof, school schedules, child records, and notices.
Quick reference
| Program | Best for | What it may help with | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDC scholarship | Parents who meet income and activity rules | Pays part of approved child care costs | child care assistance |
| MI Tri-Share | Working parents with a participating employer | Splits licensed care costs among parent, employer, and state | regional hubs |
| GSRP PreK | 4-year-olds | Free PreK seats, with priority rules when seats are limited | GSRP page |
| Head Start | Pregnant parents and children birth to 5 | Early learning, meals, screenings, and family support | Head Start locator |
| Tax credit | Parents who paid for care so they could work | May reduce federal income tax | IRS credit page |
Michigan CDC scholarship
CDC is the main state child care subsidy in Michigan. MDHHS handles the application through MI Bridges and local offices. MiLEAP provides parent resources, provider information, payment schedules, and program guidance.
You may qualify if you need child care while you are working or self-employed, in undergraduate college, in approved job training, in GED, adult basic education, or English as a second language classes, or in an approved family preservation activity. Graduate school, medical school, and law school are not treated the same as undergraduate education under the state parent FAQ.
Michigan removed the child support cooperation rule for CDC effective February 25, 2024. This means you do not have to help the state collect child support from the other parent just to qualify for CDC. If you have a separate child support issue, use ASMOM’s Michigan child support guide.
Important name note
The program may be called CDC, Child Development and Care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, or child care scholarship. These names often point to the same Michigan help path.
Most families must also show a need for care. Work, a job search linked to an approved need, approved job training, a bachelor’s degree program, high school completion, and certain family-preservation activities can count. Ask MDHHS how your activity fits the rule instead of assuming school or training always qualifies.
Some foster families and certain relative placements may qualify under different income rules. The CDC parent handbook describes faster processing for eligible foster placements. Grandparents or guardians acting as substitute parents should still give the income information MDHHS asks for, even when it is not counted for eligibility.
CDC usually reviews eligibility about once every 12 months. Watch your redetermination notices and report changes. The state’s CDC parent resources explain the current rules.
CDC income and payment rates
CDC uses gross monthly income. The entry number is the usual income limit when you apply. The exit number is the higher limit after you are already approved. Some protective-services and foster care situations may have different rules, so ask MDHHS if that applies to your child.
| Family size | Entry monthly income | Exit monthly income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $4,311 |
| 2 | $3,606 | $5,637 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $6,964 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $8,290 |
| 5 | $6,446 | $9,617 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $10,943 |
These monthly limits come from Michigan’s August 2026 income chart. It covers families up to size 10 and shows the family contribution at each income level. Entry is the limit when you apply; exit is the higher ongoing limit after approval. MDHHS decides eligibility. The separate CDC rate chart lists provider rates and payment details; its publication date may differ from the income chart.
What CDC may pay
CDC does not always pay the full price your provider charges. The state rate depends on the child’s age, provider type, quality level, and approved hours. Ask your provider for the private rate and what balance you may owe after the CDC payment. The ranges below are from the reference rate table used in the original guide. Check the current state rate chart and ask your provider to confirm the rate for your child before making a budget.
| Provider type | Infant or toddler | Preschool | School age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed center range | $7.15 to $9.60 hourly | $5.05 to $7.55 hourly | $4.90 to $7.35 hourly |
| Group or family home range | $5.70 to $8.20 hourly | $4.90 to $7.35 hourly | $4.80 to $7.25 hourly |
| License-exempt Level 1 | $2.95 hourly | $2.95 hourly | $2.95 hourly |
| License-exempt Level 2 | $4.95 hourly | $4.40 hourly | $4.40 hourly |
Michigan also lists limited child care fee payments for licensed centers and licensed group or family homes. License-exempt providers are not eligible for those fee payments. The family contribution is per child, per two-week pay period, and may be waived in certain cases, including some quality-rated provider situations.
What is a family contribution?
The family contribution is a set amount deducted from CDC payment for some families. It is figured by income and may be waived for certain children and quality-rated providers. It is not the same as every fee your provider can charge. Get the provider’s full fee list in writing.
How to apply for CDC
- Create or log in to MI Bridges and choose child care assistance.
- Answer the household, income, work, school, training, and child care questions as clearly as you can.
- Upload proof right away if you have it. Do not wait for a worker to ask if the document is ready.
- Watch MI Bridges and your mail for notices, tasks, and deadlines.
- After approval, complete the current MDHHS-4025 Provider Verification form so your provider can be assigned.
- Ask for help if you do not understand your approved hours, family contribution, provider assignment, or notice.
The Michigan parent page says the MDHHS-4025 verifies the provider you chose and the date care began. It also says your provider cannot receive payment until this form is completed and submitted to your local MDHHS office.
Documents to gather
| What MDHHS may ask for | Examples | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and address | State ID, lease, utility bill, official mail | Use clear photos or scans. |
| Income | Pay stubs, self-employment records, benefit letters | Send the most current proof you have. |
| Approved activity | Work schedule, class schedule, training letter | Show days and hours if possible. |
| Child information | Birth certificate, school schedule, custody papers | Ask what can replace a missing paper. |
| Provider information | Provider name, start date, MDHHS-4025 | Do this quickly after approval. |
If you are applying for more than child care, ASMOM’s Michigan TANF, Michigan SNAP, and Michigan health coverage pages can help you prepare.
When should I hear back?
The July 2026 CDC parent handbook says eligibility decisions are generally made within 30 calendar days after a complete application and all needed proof are submitted. The clock can be affected by missing items. Keep the date you applied, your upload receipts, and any notice from MDHHS. If you hear nothing, ask what is still needed and when to expect a decision.
Approval is not the last step
Use the current MDHHS-4025 Provider Verification form, revised June 2025. Older versions are not accepted, according to MiLEAP. The provider no longer needs to sign that form. The state sends a DHS-198 notice when the provider has been added and the approved care hours begin. Ask your provider to confirm that the notice arrived before you rely on CDC to pay. If you change providers or use two providers, MDHHS may need a new form for each one. The total approved hours are shared, not doubled.
Choosing a provider safely
Do not choose a provider only because they have an opening. Ask about the license, schedule, illness rules, transportation rules, fees, late pickup rules, and whether the provider has experience with CDC billing.
- Use Great Start to Quality to search for licensed child care and quality information.
- Check the Michigan licensing bureau if you need licensing information.
- If you have a serious concern about licensed care, use the official complaint page.
- Ask the provider what you would owe if CDC pays less than the full price.
If your child has a disability, medical needs, therapy appointments, or behavior support needs, ask each program how they handle inclusion and care plans. ASMOM’s special-needs guide can help you find related support paths.
Ask about missed days and schedule changes
Since October 1, 2026, licensed CDC providers must count qualifying days a child misses as absence hours from the first scheduled day missed. Absence-hour payments have annual and consecutive-day limits. Providers may ask about an exception for some serious events, such as a hospital stay. See Michigan’s CDC billing FAQs. Ask for the provider’s written policy on absences, holidays, withdrawals, late pickup, and any balance you would owe. Do not assume CDC will pay for all missed days.
Ask whether the provider is licensed or an approved license-exempt caregiver. Some friends, relatives, and neighbors may qualify as license-exempt providers, but state training, safety, background check, and home-visit rules may apply. Approval is needed before payments can begin. A provider who is a family member is not automatically approved.
Other child care help in Michigan
MI Tri-Share for workers
MI Tri-Share helps some working parents whose employer participates. The cost of licensed child care is split among the employee, employer, and State of Michigan. Michigan also lists a MI Care-Share add-on that lets participating employers help workers above the regular Tri-Share income rules, with the employer paying part of the cost.
Tri-Share works best when your employer is already enrolled or willing to talk with a regional hub. Ask your human resources office and the hub about income rules, age rules, child care provider rules, and how billing works before you count on help.
Ask about MI Care-Share too. With this add-on, participating employers can cover one-third of child care costs for staff above the usual Tri-Share income rules, while the worker pays the rest. It is not the same as a state-paid two-thirds reduction.
Free PreK for 4-year-olds
Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) offers free PreK to children who will be 4 by the program cutoff date. For 2026–27, Michigan is enrolling children who turn 4 by December 1, 2026. Families may apply regardless of income, but seats, program schedules, and priority rules still matter. Children with greater need may get first access when space is tight. Contact a local district or use Michigan free PreK to find openings. PreK does not always cover all work hours; ask about before- and after-care.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start serve pregnant parents and children from birth to age 5. Federal Head Start rules say children may qualify by income. Children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, and children from families receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP are categorically eligible regardless of income. ASMOM’s Head Start guide explains what to ask before applying.
Local scholarships and backup care
If you are taking college or career classes, also review Michigan education grants for school-related support. Scholarships and school grants are not the same as CDC child care payments.
Some schools, churches, Community Action agencies, United Ways, counties, and local nonprofits may know about short-term child care help, parent groups, or referrals. Use the official GSC search to find your local Great Start Collaborative or parent coalition.
If child care is tied to a bigger household problem, also check ASMOM’s Michigan housing help, Michigan utility help, baby gear help, and Community Action agencies.
Reality checks before you apply
- CDC approval is not instant. Michigan Legal Help says the application process takes around 45 days.
- CDC may not cover the full provider price. Ask for the private rate and your likely balance.
- Your provider cannot bill until the provider assignment is done and the authorization notice is issued.
- Messages in MI Bridges matter. Missing a document deadline can cause a denial or delay.
- Infant care, evening care, weekend care, and rural care can be harder to find.
If you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
Read your notice first. Look for the reason, the deadline, and what proof MDHHS says is missing. If a pay stub, schedule, address, provider form, or household size is wrong, upload proof and call your local office.
If you disagree with a denial, reduction, closure, or long delay, ask about hearing rights. Michigan Legal Help has a hearing request tool. This article is not legal advice, so contact legal aid or a benefits advocate if a decision could make you lose work, school, housing, or safe care.
For plain-language next steps, use Michigan Legal Help’s CDC overview and ASMOM’s benefits problem guide. If you need legal help, start with ASMOM’s Michigan legal help page.
If you want to challenge a denial or cut in benefits, read the notice for the hearing deadline and how to request a hearing. Do not rely on a general online guide in place of the date on your letter. Save a copy of your request, proof of sending, and any new documents. If your care might stop, ask the local office and a legal-aid program what options you have while your case is reviewed.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling MDHHS
“Hi, I applied for Child Development and Care on MI Bridges. I need child care so I can work or attend school. Can you tell me what documents are missing, the deadline, and whether my MDHHS-4025 provider form has been received?”
Calling a provider
“Hi, I am applying for Michigan CDC child care help. Do you accept CDC? Do you have openings for my child’s age and schedule? What is your private rate, and what balance might I owe after CDC pays?”
Calling a Tri-Share hub
“Hi, I work in Michigan and need help paying for licensed child care. My employer may be interested in MI Tri-Share. Can you tell me if my employer participates, what income rules apply, and how HR can start?”
Calling Head Start or PreK
“Hi, I am looking for Head Start, Early Head Start, or free PreK. My child is age __. Are you taking applications, what documents do I need, and do you have full-day or wraparound options?”
Resumen en español
En Michigan, el programa principal para ayuda con cuidado infantil se llama Child Development and Care, o CDC. Puede pagar parte del costo si necesita cuidado para trabajar, buscar trabajo, estudiar, completar GED o ESL, recibir capacitación aprobada, o participar en una actividad aprobada.
Solicite por MI Bridges y revise sus mensajes con frecuencia. Si su ingreso es demasiado alto para CDC, pregunte por MI Tri-Share si su empleador participa. Para niños de 4 años, revise GSRP PreK gratis. Para bebés, niños pequeños y niños hasta 5 años, busque Head Start o Early Head Start. Si necesita ayuda rápida, llame al 211.
FAQ
What is Michigan CDC?
Michigan CDC, or Child Development and Care, is the main state child care scholarship. It can pay part of approved child care costs for eligible families.
Where do I apply for CDC?
Apply through MI Bridges or ask your local MDHHS office for a paper application. Complete the MDHHS-4025 provider form as directed.
What income limit does CDC use?
Michigan checks gross monthly income and family size. At application, the entry limit applies. Once approved, a higher exit limit may apply. See the August 2026 chart above.
Does CDC pay the full bill?
Not always. CDC uses set rates and approved hours. A provider may charge more than the state pays. Ask for the full cost in writing.
Can I use a relative provider?
Sometimes. A relative, friend, or neighbor may qualify as a license-exempt provider but must meet enrollment, training, background check, and other program rules.
Do I have to cooperate with child support?
No. Michigan removed the child support cooperation requirement for CDC effective February 25, 2024.
What if my CDC application is denied?
Read the decision notice, check the deadline, and send missing proof. Ask MDHHS about the hearing process if you disagree; legal aid may help.
What can I try if income is too high?
Ask about MI Tri-Share if you are employed and your employer participates. Also check free PreK, Head Start, local scholarships, and 211 referrals.
Is GSRP free for every 4-year-old?
Families may apply for 2026–27 free PreK for eligible 4-year-olds, but age rules, available seats, and local priority rules still apply. Ask your local program.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified October 30, 2026. Next review January 28, 2027.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: October 30, 2026 Next review: January 28, 2027