Pennsylvania Childcare Assistance for Single Mothers (2025): The No‑Fluff Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This guide is built for single moms who need clear steps, real numbers, and working links. It covers Pennsylvania’s Child Care Works subsidy, free pre‑K options, Head Start/Early Head Start, state and federal tax help, and backups if you hit a waitlist. All figures and rules are verified with official sources and dated below each section.

Quick Help Box

• Apply for Child Care Works online now: COMPASS — Child Care Works application. If you prefer paper, use the CY‑868 application below. Helpline: 877‑472‑5437. (pa.gov)
• Find your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for help, waitlist status, document drop‑off, and to track your case: Find Your ELRC (official list with phone numbers). (pa.gov)
• Download required forms: CY‑868 Subsidized Child Care Application (English) and CY‑925 Employment Verification. (pa.gov)
• Income limit to apply for Child Care Works: up to 200% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (see table below). Example: family of 3 up to $53,300\ast \ast ;familyof4upto\ast \ast$64,300. (pa.gov)
• If nights/weekends are your only child‑care option, CCW pays a 25% “non‑traditional hours” add‑on to providers for those hours (can help you find a provider willing to take your schedule). (pakeys.org)
• If subsidy won’t cover full tuition, you pay your weekly co‑pay plus any difference between the state payment and the provider’s private rate. Registration fees for new CCW enrollments are paid by ELRC (you cannot be charged the difference). (pakeys.org)
• Free options to try at the same time: PA Pre‑K Counts (free pre‑K; up to 300% FPL) and Head Start/Early Head Start (free; up to 100% FPL, with some exceptions). (education.pa.gov, pa.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (What to do first)

Who qualifies for Child Care Works (CCW) in Pennsylvania

Most important: you can apply if you live in PA, need child care to work or attend school/training, and meet income limits.

• You must live in Pennsylvania and have a child who needs care while you work or attend an education/training program.
• Work at least 20 hours/week, or 10 hours work + 10 hours school/training. Teen parents must be enrolled in school full time. (pa.gov)
• Your annual income at application must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (table below). Children are eligible from birth until the day before their 13th birthday; children with disabilities may be eligible through age 18. (pa.gov)
• The child must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Photo ID required for each parent/caretaker. (pa.gov)

2025 CCW Income Limits (apply at or below 200% FPL)

Source: Pennsylvania DHS CCW page (May 2025 figures) and HHS 2025 poverty guidelines. (pa.gov, aspe.hhs.gov)

Tip: If your income is close to the limit, apply anyway. ELRC staff will review allowable deductions (e.g., certain medical or court‑ordered support expenses) listed in the application. (pa.gov)

How to apply (fastest path)

Start here — don’t wait to find a provider first.

• Apply online: COMPASS — Child Care Works application. Paper option: CY‑868 application (PDF). (pa.gov)
• Call your ELRC the same day to confirm they got it, ask about current processing times, and whether your county has a waitlist. Find your office (with phone): ELRC county locations. Helpline: 877‑472‑5437. (pa.gov)
• If you have a job offer starting within 30 days, tell the ELRC — that counts. (pa.gov)

Application Checklist (what to gather)

• Government photo ID for parent/caretaker.
• Proof of PA address (lease, utility bill, driver’s license, etc.). (pa.gov)
• Proof of work/school/training hours: have your employer or school complete CY‑925 Employment Verification. (pa.gov)
• Proof of all income in the home (recent pay stubs, unemployment, SSI/SSA letters, child support received, self‑employment records/tax return). (pa.gov)
• Child info: birth certificate and immunization status (self‑certify on the application if needed). (pa.gov)
• If using a relative caregiver, they’ll need background checks (CareCheck plus FBI); FBI fee is $23 (paid by the relative). (pa.gov)

Realistic timeline

• Many ELRCs complete eligibility within a few weeks once they have all documents. Ask your ELRC for the current timeline in your county when you submit — and call back if you haven’t heard anything in two weeks. (pa.gov)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending an application without the employer/school verification — this stalls your case.
• Not checking voicemail/email: ELRCs time‑limit document requests. Missed deadlines = denial.
• Choosing a provider that doesn’t accept CCW or isn’t certified — your subsidy can’t pay them.
• Assuming ELRC pays 100%: you’ll always have a weekly co‑pay, and you may owe any difference between subsidy and the provider’s private rate. (pa.gov, pakeys.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your ELRC to screen you for “Infant/Toddler Contracted Slots” (guaranteed, no co‑pay to the family). Slots are limited and by region. (pakeys.org)
• Apply to free programs at the same time (don’t wait): PA Pre‑K Counts and Head Start/Early Head Start. (pa.gov)
• If you’re military or DoD civilian and can’t access on‑base care, request fee assistance via MilitaryChildCare.com (MCCYN) or contact Child Care Aware at 800‑424‑2246. (public.militarychildcare.csd.disa.mil, armymwr.com)

What CCW actually pays (2025)

CCW pays providers up to the state’s Maximum Child Care Allowance (MCCA) daily rate, which increased to the 75th percentile of market rates on January 1, 2025. Providers also may get quality add‑ons for Keystone STARS levels and a 25% add‑on for approved non‑traditional hours. Families pay a weekly co‑pay plus any difference if the provider’s private rate is higher than the subsidy payment. Registration fees for new CCW enrollments are covered by ELRC (families cannot be charged the difference). (pakeys.org)

Sample 2025 MCCA Daily Rates (Full‑time center care, per day)

Source: Pennsylvania Key — MCCA Daily Rates, effective Jan 1, 2025. Amounts vary by ELRC region, provider type, and age. Below are examples for two large areas. (pakeys.org)

How to read this: If you use a center in Philadelphia, the base subsidy (before any quality or non‑traditional add‑ons) for an infant is up to $67.83/day\ast \ast .Forafullweek,that’sabout\ast \ast$339/week (5 days). Your family also has a weekly co‑pay (see below). If the provider’s private rate is above the subsidy payment, you may be billed the difference. (pakeys.org)

Quality and schedule add‑ons (paid to providers, not to parents)

• Keystone STARS quality add‑on for CCW children (per day, varies by age): e.g., infant add‑on at STAR 3 is $8.70/day\ast \ast ;STAR4is\ast \ast$13.20/day (preschool add‑ons are smaller). (pakeys.org)
• Non‑traditional hours add‑on: 25% of the base rate for care that includes 6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. on weekdays or any weekend time. Applies only to those days. (pakeys.org)

Co‑pays (what you pay weekly)

Pennsylvania uses a statewide co‑pay chart based on family size and annual income (a fixed dollar amount per week, covering all CCW‑enrolled children in the household). The minimum weekly co‑pay is $5. The official “Family Copayment Chart” (Appendix B) governs the exact amount; co‑pays are set at eligibility and re‑determination. (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)

To keep co‑pays affordable, regulations cap family co‑pays: at or below 5% of income when income is ≤100% FPL; at or below 7% annually overall (general rule). (law.cornell.edu)

Co‑pay examples (from the official chart)

Source: 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3042, Appendix B — Copayment Chart (effective Jan 17, 2022; current through June 28, 2025). (regulations.justia.com)

Note: Co‑pays are fixed dollar amounts; they do not rise when a second child is added (your total stays the same) — one reason CCW can be a significant help for larger families. Always use the official chart for your exact income. (regulations.justia.com)

Real‑world cost example

A Philadelphia single mom with one infant, earning $36,000/year\ast \ast ,usesacenterwithaprivaterateof\ast \ast$385/week.

• Base subsidy (MCCA infant, Region 18): about $339/week.
• Your weekly co‑pay (family of 2 at $36,000\ast \ast ):\ast \ast$44/week.
• “Difference” (provider’s private weekly rate minus subsidy payment): $46/week.
• Your total weekly out‑of‑pocket to the provider: $44+$46 = $90/week.

If your provider is STAR 3 or 4, their quality add‑on may reduce or eliminate the “difference” you owe — ask your ELRC to estimate with your chosen provider. (pakeys.org, regulations.justia.com)

Fees you should not be charged

• Registration fees for new CCW children are paid by ELRC to certified providers ($75\ast \ast center;\ast \ast$50 group/family). Providers may not charge CCW families any registration fee or the difference between their private reg fee and what ELRC pays. (pakeys.org)
• Providers may charge families the difference between their published tuition rate and the subsidy payment (including quality/non‑traditional add‑ons), but not additional “CCW‑only” fees. (pakeys.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your ELRC whether your region has “contracted slots” (no parent co‑pay to the family) or providers with immediate openings. (pakeys.org)
• If your schedule is nights/weekends, search specifically for non‑traditional hours providers who receive the 25% add‑on — more likely to accept your hours. (pakeys.org)

Find and choose a provider

• Search and compare licensed providers, see inspection/complaint history, and filter by Keystone STARS: Online Child Care Provider Search (official). (pa.gov)
• Need live help? Call your ELRC and ask for a customized referral list of providers with current openings that accept CCW. ELRCs also help with Head Start, Early Intervention, and Pre‑K Counts referrals. (papromiseforchildren.com)
• Background checks for relative providers (grandparent/aunt/uncle/sibling 18+ in a separate residence) are required. The FBI check is $23 and is paid by the relative. (pa.gov)

Free and low‑cost early learning (layer these with CCW)

PA Pre‑K Counts (free pre‑K for age 3–4)

• Who qualifies: Families up to 300% FPL; priority to children “at risk” of school failure (English learners, special needs, etc.). Free school‑day programs, with some wraparound care at extra cost. Apply directly to programs in your county (search via COMPASS). (education.pa.gov, pa.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Get on multiple program waitlists and ask your ELRC for additional providers that received state slots mid‑year. (pa.gov)

Head Start and Early Head Start (free)

• Who qualifies: Generally up to 100% FPL; some over‑income slots and categorical eligibility (foster, homeless, TANF/SNAP) exist. There are programs in every PA county. Use the Head Start Locator or ask your ELRC. (pa.gov, headstart.gov)
• What to do: Find programs via Head Start Center Locator or call 866‑763‑6481 for help. Apply to multiple locations. (headstart.gov)

Tax help that puts cash back in your pocket (2025)

• Pennsylvania Child & Dependent Care Enhancement Credit (state): Refundable; equal to 100% of your federal Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). Max $1,050\ast \ast (onechild)or\ast \ast$2,100 (two or more). Claim it with your PA‑40 using Schedule DC (and attach your federal Form 2441 and Schedule 3). Filing deadline for 2024 returns: April 15, 2025. (pa.gov)
• Federal CDCTC (Form 2441): Up to 35% of up to $3,000\ast \ast ofeligibleexpensesforonechild,or\ast \ast$6,000 for two or more (credit decreases at higher incomes). (irs.gov)
• Dependent Care FSA (through your employer): Contribute pre‑tax up to $5,000\ast \ast perhousehold(\ast \ast$2,500 if married filing separately). This lowers taxable income and can be combined with the CDCTC (coordination rules apply). (irs.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: File even if your income is low or non‑taxable — the PA credit is refundable, so you can get the full credit back after any tax owed. Free filing: myPATH on the PA Dept. of Revenue site. (pa.gov)

Special schedules, military families, and relatives

• Non‑traditional hours: Providers get a 25% add‑on for eligible night/weekend care for CCW children — mention your schedule when calling. (pakeys.org)
• Military/DoD civilian families: If on‑base child care is full or not available, request fee assistance via MilitaryChildCare.com (MCCYN) and work with Child Care Aware (800‑424‑2246). (public.militarychildcare.csd.disa.mil, armymwr.com)
• Relative caregiver option: Allowed for CCW if they pass CareCheck plus FBI; FBI fee $23. Relatives are paid the state rate for “relative/neighbor” care. (pa.gov)

Regional contacts (major areas)

Use the full statewide list to find your county’s ELRC office: ELRC county locations (official directory). Below are a few high‑volume regions. (pa.gov)

• Philadelphia (ELRC Region 18): 4601 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19139. Phone 610‑480‑3190; Toll‑free 888‑535‑2209. (pa.gov)
• Allegheny County/Pittsburgh (ELRC Region 5): 304 Wood St., Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Phone 412‑350‑3577; Toll‑free 888‑340‑3572. (pa.gov)
• Bucks County (ELRC Region 16): 333 N. Oxford Valley Rd., Ste 402‑403, Fairless Hills, PA 19030. Phone 215‑486‑2524; Toll‑free 833‑229‑6928. (pa.gov)
• Montgomery County (ELRC Region 17): 1430 Dekalb St., 5th Fl, Norristown, PA. Phone 610‑278‑3707; Toll‑free 800‑281‑1116. (taxclaim.montcopa.org)
• Dauphin/Cumberland/Lebanon/Perry (ELRC Region 9 — Community Connections for Children): Lemoyne office phone 717‑210‑3334; Toll‑free 800‑864‑4925. (pa.gov)

Reality checks, tips, and timelines

• Waitlists happen: If funding isn’t available, your child may be placed on a waitlist. Get on the list and ask about any priorities (TANF, protective services, homeless status can affect priority). Keep your voicemail clear for ELRC calls. (pa.gov)
• Provider rates vs. subsidy: If a provider’s private rate is higher than the subsidy payment (base + add‑ons), you pay the difference. Ask your ELRC to estimate your out‑of‑pocket before you accept a spot. (pakeys.org)
• Registration fees: ELRC pays these for new CCW enrollments. If a provider bills you for registration, share the state memo and call ELRC. (pakeys.org)

Diverse Communities: targeted tips and resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your ELRC to connect you with Keystone STARS programs trained in inclusive practices; use the provider search to filter by STARS 3/4 and read inspection histories for climate/culture notes. (pa.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for a child with disabilities: Children with disabilities can receive CCW through age 18. Also ask ELRC for Early Intervention referrals and local special‑needs supports. (pa.gov)
• Veteran and active‑duty single mothers: Combine CCW (if eligible) with MCCYN fee assistance when on‑base care is unavailable. Contact 800‑424‑2246 for help. (public.militarychildcare.csd.disa.mil, armymwr.com)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: CCW requires the child to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; parents can apply regardless of their own status. Ask your ELRC for language access and interpretation; DHS provides language services. (pa.gov)
• Tribal citizens: Apply for CCW like any PA family; if you’re affiliated with a tribe operating a CCDF program nearby, ask ELRC about coordination.
• Rural moms with limited access: Ask ELRC about relative caregiver arrangements (with background checks) while you search; also check for programs offering transportation or extended hours. FBI check is $23 for relatives. (pa.gov)
• Single fathers: Same rules and supports apply. ELRCs serve all caregivers.
• Language access: If you need help in your language, tell your ELRC or the CCW helpline (877‑472‑5437). You can also request translated forms (e.g., Spanish version of CY‑868). (pa.gov)

Local nonprofits and help finding care

• Community Connections for Children (ELRC 9 & 10 — South‑Central PA): Free referrals and CCW help for Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, York. Start at cccforpa.org. (cccforpa.org)
• Community Connections for Children — Finding Care (referrals and tips): Family referral request. (cccforpa.org)
• Philadelphia/Delaware/Chester ELRC Hub (regional updates and contact info): ELRC‑PHMC. (elrc-phmc.org)

Quick tables you can use

Table: Key CCW rules at a glance

Table: 2025 MCCA center daily rates — sample regions

Table: Co‑pay examples (weekly)

Table: Free early learning options (layer with CCW)

Table: Tax help for child care (2025)

Step‑by‑step: picking a provider (don’t skip)

• Run a provider search: Online Child Care Provider Search (COMPASS) — check Keystone STARS rating, inspection history, and whether they accept Child Care Works. (pa.gov)
• Call and ask three things up front: (1) Do you accept Child Care Works right now? (2) What’s your weekly rate for my child’s age? (3) Do you have non‑traditional hours and openings?
• Tell the provider you’re applying for CCW. If approved, your subsidy and co‑pay go directly to the provider.

FAQs (Pennsylvania‑specific)

1. How much will I pay each week under CCW?
   Your weekly amount = your co‑pay from the state chart + any difference if the provider’s private rate is higher than the subsidy payment. See co‑pay examples above; use the official chart for your exact income. (law.cornell.edu, pakeys.org)
2. Can I choose any provider?
   You can choose any eligible provider (center, group, family child care, or qualified relative). The provider must be certified or, if a relative, complete CareCheck/FBI. (pa.gov)
3. Do providers have to accept CCW rates?
   Providers are paid the lower of their private rate or the MCCA base rate (plus applicable add‑ons). If their rate is higher than the subsidy, they may bill you the difference. (pakeys.org)
4. Are registration fees covered?
   Yes. ELRC pays registration fees for new CCW enrollments ($75\ast \ast center;\ast \ast$50 group/family). Providers cannot charge CCW families any registration fee or the difference. (pakeys.org)
5. What if I work nights, weekends, or rotating shifts?
   Providers get a 25% add‑on for eligible non‑traditional hours for CCW children, which can make it easier to find a program for your schedule. (pakeys.org)
6. How do I check a provider’s safety and complaint history?
   Use the Online Provider Search (COMPASS) to see license status, inspections, and verified complaints. (pa.gov)
7. My income is just over the limit. Should I apply?
   Yes — the ELRC will verify income and allowable deductions. The posted income limits (200% FPL) for 2025 are in the table above. (pa.gov)
8. Do I have to be working, or does school count?
   School/training counts if combined with work for at least 10 + 10 hours/week (or 20 hours work alone). Teen parents must be in school full time. (pa.gov)
9. How long can my child receive CCW?
   From birth until the day before age 13; up to 18 for children with disabilities. (pa.gov)
10. Where can I get help if I’m stuck?
    Call your ELRC (see statewide directory) or the CCW helpline (877‑472‑5437). You can also apply to PA Pre‑K Counts and Head Start/Early Head Start at the same time. (pa.gov)

Common mistakes to avoid (seen often)

• Missing employer/school verification (CY‑925).
• Not answering ELRC calls or mail on time.
• Picking a provider that isn’t certified or doesn’t accept CCW.
• Forgetting to ask the provider’s private weekly rate to estimate your share.
• Assuming quality add‑ons go to you — they are paid to the provider. (pa.gov, pakeys.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B every time)

• Ask ELRC about infant/toddler contracted slots (no co‑pay to the family) and non‑traditional hours providers with openings. (pakeys.org)
• Apply to PA Pre‑K Counts and Head Start/Early Head Start simultaneously. (pa.gov)
• Military/DoD civilians: request MCCYN fee assistance via MilitaryChildCare.com or call 800‑424‑2246. (public.militarychildcare.csd.disa.mil, armymwr.com)
• Use tax help to lower costs: PA refundable credit up to $2,100\ast \ast ,federalCDCTC,andDependentCareFSAupto\ast \ast$5,000. (pa.gov, irs.gov)

Why this guide is different (we checked the gaps)

Most pages in search results don’t show the 2025 MCCA rates, don’t explain the co‑pay chart with real examples, and miss Pennsylvania’s expanded state child‑care tax credit. We included direct links, phone numbers, and updated 2025 figures from official sources so you can act today. (pakeys.org, regulations.justia.com, pa.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (ASPE), and established nonprofits. We follow our Editorial Standards for source verification, documentation, and rapid corrections. Last verified September 2025; next full review April 2026. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org.

Disclaimer

Program rules, rates, and income limits can change. Benefit levels also vary by region and provider. Always confirm details with your ELRC or the official agency links provided here before you make decisions or sign contracts.

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Key sources (selected):

• Child Care Works eligibility, income limits, forms, and helpline. (pa.gov)
• ELRC directory with county phone numbers. (pa.gov)
• 2025 MCCA daily rates and Jan 1, 2025 increase to 75th percentile. (pakeys.org)
• Keystone STARS quality add‑ons; non‑traditional hours add‑on (25%). (pakeys.org)
• Registration fee policy for CCW families (ELRC pays). (pakeys.org)
• Copayment rules and chart. (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)
• HHS 2025 Poverty Guidelines. (aspe.hhs.gov)
• PA Child & Dependent Care Enhancement Credit (100% of federal CDCTC; refundable). (pa.gov)
• Federal CDCTC and Dependent Care FSA limits and rules. (irs.gov)
• PA Pre‑K Counts and Head Start/EHS (free programs). (education.pa.gov, pa.gov)

If you find an error or a broken link, tell us at info@asinglemother.org — we’ll investigate and update quickly. (pa.gov)

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