For U-M Students

U-M Child Care Subsidy through the U-M Office of Financial Aid

U-M students with young, dependent children who need child care may be eligible for U-M Child Care Subsidy, which provides funds to assist students with the cost of licensed child care (search for licensed child care centers and licensed home-based programs in Michigan). 

Students who wish to apply for the Child Care Subsidy must meet several eligibility criteria and must submit both a federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and an application for the Subsidy.  

The amount of the Child Care Subsidy awarded to eligible applicants is based on their financial need, the number of children, their child care expenses, and available funding. Subsidy award maximum amounts for 2024-2025 are:

• For one child, the maximum is $4,348 per term
• For two children, the maximum is $6,375 per term
• For three or more children, the maximum is $8,406 per term

Learn about the student Child Care Subsidy and apply here, or call the Office of Financial Aid at (734) 763-6600.

For U-M Faculty, Staff, and Students

U-M Child Care Tuition Grant for the U-M Ann Arbor Children's Centers Only

The Child Care Tuition Grant is offered to U-M affiliated families who are enrolled at one of the U-M Ann Arbor Children's Centers (the Health System Children's Center on Glazier Way, North Campus Children's Center in the NCRC, and Towsley Children's House on central campus only). The purpose of the grant is to make the U-M Ann Arbor Children's Centers more affordable for eligible U-M families.

Eligibility for the Child Care Tuition Grant is determined by family size and income. Please consult the Grant Income Limits and apply for the grant if you believe you may be eligible. Annual income is determined using income earned over the previous six months before enrollment and multiplying by two. If your circumstances include a change in income moving forward, apply using the previous six months' income. There will be an opportunity on the application to show a change in future income, by using the transition income form that is included in the application.

If you are a U-M student, you must first apply for the Child Care Subsidy through the U-M Office of Financial Aid. You can also apply for the Child Care Tuition Grant. If you are eligible for the Child Care Tuition Grant, your award will be adjusted if you receive the Child Care Subsidy. However, we are happy to accept your application in order to check your eligibility. See Grant Information and FAQ for more information, and please email or call (734) 936-8485 when you know the result of your Child Care Subsidy application.

If you have any questions about the Child Care Tuition Grant application, please email or call (734) 936-8485. 

Child Care Tuition Grant Application Link 

Child Care Tuition Grant Information and FAQ

Child Care Tuition Grant Income Limits

For U-M Faculty and Staff

U-M Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to set aside pre-tax money from your paychecks to pay for child care expenses for your eligible dependents incurred so you can work, or if you are married, so you and your spouse can work, or your spouse can attend school full-time.

For eligibility guideline, limitations and more information, see Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.

If you or your partner are employed outside of U-M, inquire with that employer’s benefits office.

Governmental and Community Information

Child Development and Care (CDC) assistance with the cost of child care

The Child Development and Care child care scholarship is a State of Michigan program for income-eligible families. Families can apply online for CDC and other assistance. Please note: the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) has announced changes to make it easier for more families to access low or no cost child care. Effective February 25, 2024, MiLEAP eliminated the requirement for primary parents to work with the Office of Child Support to qualify for child care scholarship assistance.

Family Support Program Scholarships at Child Care Network

Child Care Network-Great Start to Quality Southeast Regional Center (a private non-profit agency, not a U-M program) has child care scholarships for families, including income-eligible U-M staff and undergraduate-student families, for a portion of tuition costs in a licensed, quality-rated center or home child care setting. Parents in degree programs beyond undergraduate, including fellowships, are not eligible for this scholarship assistance. Low-income working families have priority.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.

Other Financial Assistance for Families

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a health and nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well and stay healthy. WIC also provides nutrition education and counseling and help accessing health care. WIC also provides breast pumps to qualified nursing mothers. For additional information call (734) 544-6800.

Washtenaw County Health Insurance Plans

Washtenaw County has several health insurance plans available to eligible, uninsured children, individuals and families.