Could child care assistance pay part of your bill?
Workforce Solutions Alamo's Child Care Services (CCS) subsidizes daycare for eligible working families in the San Antonio region. Many parents who qualify never apply because the rules are buried in government PDFs. Answer five questions for an honest estimate.
Income guidelines: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Source: Texas Workforce Commission 85% SMI figures2025–2026 income limits (85% of State Median Income)
If your gross household income is at or below these amounts, you clear the income test. Families who qualify may still pay a parent share of cost on a sliding scale based on income and family size.
| Family size | Max gross monthly income | Max gross annual income |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $5,216/mo | $62,592/yr |
| 3 | $6,443/mo | $77,316/yr |
| 4 | $7,670/mo | $92,040/yr |
| 5 | $8,897/mo | $106,764/yr |
| 6 | $10,125/mo | $121,500/yr |
| 7 | $10,355/mo | $124,260/yr |
| 8 | $10,585/mo | $127,020/yr |
| 9 | $10,815/mo | $129,780/yr |
| 10 | $11,045/mo | $132,540/yr |
Source: Texas Workforce Commission 85% SMI figures for CCS, program year Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026, as published on the official Workforce Solutions eligibility page.
How to apply
1. Check the three questions
Live in one of the 13 Alamo-region counties? Working (or in training/school) enough hours? Income within the limits above? If yes to all three, you're a strong candidate.
2. Apply — and expect a waitlist
Complete the online waitlist application on the Workforce Solutions Alamo child care page, or call (210) 230-6300 for a paper application. Enrollment depends on available funding, and there is currently a waitlist — apply early and call to check your status.
3. Keep reporting changes
Once enrolled, you must report income, schedule, or address changes that could affect eligibility. Coverage runs 12 months at a time.
Common questions
Does CCS cover the full cost of daycare?
Usually not all of it. Families often pay a parent share of cost set on a sliding scale by income and family size. CCS pays the rest directly to your contracted provider.
Can I use CCS at any daycare?
At any CCS-contracted provider — most licensed centers in the region participate. Ask the center if they accept CCS; our listings note it where we know.
What if I'm job searching, not working yet?
Texas allows an initial job-search period of up to three months of care while you look for work, with minimum participation requirements. Ask CCS about "At-Risk" eligibility when you apply.