Financial Assistance

Quality childcare may be more affordable than you think. Michigan offers programs that can dramatically reduce — or even eliminate — your childcare costs. Let's find out what you qualify for.

💙 Apply Now at MI Bridges →

Could You Qualify?

Most Alma Families May Be Eligible

You might be surprised. Michigan's childcare assistance programs serve a much wider range of families than most people realize — including working families with moderate incomes.

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You Have a Child Under 13

The CDC Scholarship covers children under age 13, or up to age 18 for children with special needs. If your child attends CDA, you likely meet this requirement already.

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You Work, Study, or Train

You qualify if you need childcare while working, attending school or job training, pursuing a GED, or participating in certain approved activities. Part-time work counts!

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Your Income May Qualify

A family of 4 earning up to approximately $60,000/year may qualify for the CDC Scholarship. Many families earning more qualify for Tri-Share. See the income table below.

Not sure if you qualify? 👉 Use Michigan's free eligibility calculator to find out in minutes — no personal information required!

Program 1

The CDC Childcare Scholarship

Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) Scholarship is the state's main childcare assistance program. It pays a significant portion of your childcare costs directly to CDA on your behalf — so you pay little or nothing out of pocket.

The program was recently renamed from "subsidy" to "scholarship" to better reflect what it truly is: an investment in your child's future.

You likely qualify if:

Your child is under 13 years old (or under 18 with special needs)
You are working, in school, or in an approved training program
Your household income falls within the eligibility scale (see table)
Your child is a U.S. citizen or has an accepted immigration status
You do NOT need to pursue child support to qualify — that requirement was removed in 2024!

How to apply — it's easier than you think:

Apply online at MI Bridges — takes about 20–30 minutes
Or visit your local MDHHS office in person for help with the application
You'll need: proof of income, ID, your child's birth certificate, and your CDA provider information
Once approved, CDA receives payment directly — you just drop off and pick up your child!
Benefits are guaranteed for 12 months at a time — no monthly reapplying

Need help with the application? Call us at 989-968-4068 — we're happy to walk you through it!

Income Eligibility Guide

CDC Scholarship — Effective Sept 2025

Family Size	Monthly Income	Annual Income
Family of 2	Up to ~$3,100	~$37,200
Family of 3	Up to ~$3,900	~$46,800
Family of 4	Up to ~$4,700	~$56,400
Family of 5	Up to ~$5,500	~$66,000
Family of 6	Up to ~$6,300	~$75,600

⚠️ These are approximate entry-level figures. Families earning above these amounts may still qualify at a reduced benefit level. Always check the official Michigan CDC income scale for the most current numbers, or use the eligibility calculator.

Apply Now at MI Bridges →

Program 2

Michigan Tri-Share

For working families who earn too much for the CDC Scholarship but still find childcare costs a stretch, Michigan's Tri-Share program splits your childcare cost three equal ways — between you, your employer, and the State of Michigan. That means you pay just one-third of your childcare bill.

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You Pay

Just one-third of your childcare cost, deducted conveniently from your paycheck

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Your Employer Pays

Your employer contributes one-third as a valuable workplace benefit

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Michigan Pays

The State of Michigan covers the final third through the Tri-Share program

Do you qualify for Tri-Share?

You are employed by a participating Michigan employer
Your household income is generally between 200%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level
You do not currently qualify for the CDC Scholarship
Your child is between birth and age 12 (some employers extend to 17)
You use a licensed Michigan childcare provider — CDA qualifies!

To get started with Tri-Share: Talk to your employer's HR department and ask if they participate in Michigan's Tri-Share program. If they don't yet, they can enroll — it's a great benefit for employers too. You can also visit mitrishare.org to learn more and find participating employers.

💡 New in 2026 — MI Care-Share: Even if your income is above the Tri-Share limit, your employer can now participate in MI Care-Share — where your employer still covers 33% of your childcare costs. Ask your HR department about this option!

Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help!

Navigating assistance programs can feel overwhelming — but you don't have to do it alone. We've helped many CDA families access benefits they didn't know they had. Give us a call or send us an email and we'll walk you through your options together.

📞 Call Us: 989-968-4068 ✉️ Email Us 💙 Apply at MI Bridges

Common Questions About Financial Assistance

Will applying for assistance affect my child's spot at CDA?

Not at all! Applying for the CDC Scholarship or Tri-Share has no effect on your child's enrollment status. We welcome and encourage all eligible families to apply.

How long does the approval process take?

The MI Bridges online application typically takes 20–30 minutes to complete. After submission, MDHHS generally processes applications within 30 days. Once approved, your benefits are guaranteed for 12 months.

Can I apply before my child starts at CDA?

Yes! We recommend applying as early as possible. You can submit your application and list CDA as your chosen provider before your child's first day.

What if my income is above the CDC Scholarship limit?

You may still qualify for Michigan's Tri-Share program, which covers families earning up to about 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. And even above that, the new MI Care-Share add-on allows employers to cover 33% of your costs. There are more options than most families realize!

I work part-time. Do I still qualify?

Yes! Part-time work counts as a qualifying activity for the CDC Scholarship. You may also qualify if you are attending school, job training, or working toward your GED — even part-time.

Do I need to pursue child support to qualify?

No! Michigan removed this requirement in February 2024. You no longer need to work with the Office of Child Support to receive childcare assistance.

How does CDA get paid if I receive a scholarship?

Once your scholarship is approved, the state pays CDA directly every two weeks. You simply drop off and pick up your child as usual. Any small family contribution, if applicable, is paid directly to CDA.