Arizona Childcare Subsidies & Assistance Programs (2026)
Arizona's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) through the Department of Economic Security helps eligible working families in Phoenix and across the state afford licensed childcare. Arizona also offers Quality First scholarships for families using high-quality providers.
Available Programs
| Program | Ages | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) | 0–13 | Up to 165% FPL, working/in approved activities | Childcare vouchers for licensed providers |
| Quality First Scholarship | 0–5 | Families using Quality First-rated providers | Additional subsidy for high-quality care |
| Head Start / Early Head Start | 0–5 | Below 100% FPL | Free comprehensive early childhood program |
| TANF Child Care | 0–13 | TANF recipients | Childcare during work activities |
Income Eligibility (2026)
Arizona CCAP covers families earning up to 165% of the Federal Poverty Level:
| Family Size | 165% FPL (approx. annual gross) |
|---|---|
| 2 | $32,000 |
| 3 | $40,000 |
| 4 | $48,500 |
| 5 | $57,000 |
Arizona DES has been gradually increasing reimbursement rates and expanding access. Income limits are updated annually — verify current thresholds at des.az.gov.
How to Apply
- Apply online: Use Arizona's HEAplus portal at healplus.az.gov — this is the primary application system for the DES Child Care Assistance Program.
- Call the DES Customer Service Center: Reach DES at 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587) for application help or to check on your case status.
- Visit a local DES office: Find your nearest Arizona DES office at des.az.gov for in-person assistance.
- Quality First enrollment: To receive a Quality First scholarship, your childcare provider must be enrolled in the Quality First program. Ask your provider directly, or search participating providers at qualityfirstaz.com.
- Gather required documents: Proof of income, work or school schedule documentation, Arizona residency verification, and your child's birth certificate.
Arizona State Tax Benefits
- No dedicated state childcare tax credit: Arizona does not offer a state-specific childcare tax credit. Federal benefits are the primary tax savings for Arizona families.
- Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit: Arizona families can claim the federal credit — 20–35% of up to $6,000 in childcare expenses — on their federal return.
- Dependent Care FSA: If your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, contributing up to $5,000 pre-tax reduces both federal and Arizona state taxable income, providing meaningful savings.
- Quality First as a quality benefit: While not a tax credit, the Quality First scholarship supplements CCAP for families choosing higher-quality rated providers, effectively reducing out-of-pocket costs.
See our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide for strategies combining federal savings programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arizona's income limit for childcare assistance?
Arizona DES CCAP covers families earning up to 165% of the Federal Poverty Level — roughly $40,000/year for a family of 3. This has been gradually increasing. Verify current limits at des.az.gov.
What is the Quality First scholarship in Arizona?
Quality First is Arizona's tiered quality rating system for childcare providers. Families whose children are enrolled at Quality First-rated providers may receive additional subsidy support on top of CCAP. Ask your provider if they participate. Learn more at qualityfirstaz.com.
How do I apply for childcare assistance in Arizona?
Apply online at healplus.az.gov (Arizona's HEAplus portal) or call 1-855-432-7587. You'll need proof of income, work or school documentation, Arizona residency verification, and your child's birth certificate.
Calculate Arizona Childcare Costs
See childcare cost estimates for your Arizona zip code, including CCAP subsidy eligibility and federal tax savings.
Calculate Your Costs