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State · OR & WASet by Oregon or Washington

Child Care Assistance Calculator: Oregon & Washington

Check the income limit and estimate your monthly copay for Oregon's Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) or Washington's Working Connections Child Care.

Washington copays come straight from DCYF's chart effective Oct. 1, 2026. Oregon doesn't publish a copay chart, so this page shows Oregon's limit and the 7% maximum. Tap any § label to see the rule.

Your family
Both programs also require that parents are working, in school or training, or looking for work, with some exceptions.

Example numbers are filled in. Replace them with yours.

Common questions

Where do I apply?

Oregon: through the Department of Early Learning and Care. ERDC has a waitlist, so it's worth getting on it early. Washington: through DCYF's Working Connections Child Care application.

Why can I keep help at a higher income than I need to start?

Both states let families who already get help keep it as their income grows, up to a higher limit, so a raise doesn't mean suddenly losing child care.

Does the copay depend on how many kids are in care?

In Washington, the copay on DCYF's chart is set by family size and income. Check with your caseworker for your exact amount.

Sources3 sources · checked October 12, 2026

Every figure on this page links to one of these. Tap any source label to see what it says. All checked October 12, 2026.

  • Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)Oregon Department of Early Learning and CareEffective March 1, 2026: apply with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level; stay eligible up to 250% of poverty or 85% of state median income, whichever is higher. Copays can't exceed 7% of monthly income. ERDC currently has a waitlist.
  • 2026 poverty guidelinesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services$15,960 for one person plus $5,680 for each additional person (48 states and DC).
  • Working Connections Child CareWashington Department of Children, Youth, and FamiliesHousehold income must be below 60% of state median income to apply. Copays effective Oct. 1, 2026: $0 up to 20% of state median income, $65 to 36%, $90 to 50%, $165 to 60%, $215 from 60% to 65%.