Getting Help Paying for Child Care

Working Connections Child Care Subsidy 

You may be able to get free or low-cost child care through Washington state’s Working Connections Child Care subsidy program. It’s available to more families than ever — and applying is quick and easy.

To Apply

Visit our Working Connections Child Care Program webpage for more information or read the printable flyer.

ECEAP and Head Start Preschool Programs

Children ages 3 and 4 from low-income families may qualify for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) or Head Start preschool programs.

To learn more:

Reporting Suspected Fraud

If you think a parent or child care provider is misusing child care subsidy funds, you can report it to the DSHS Office of Fraud and Accountability (OFA).

How to report fraud:

  • Visit the OFA website
  • By mail: DSHS Welfare Fraud; P.O. Box 45817; Olympia, Washington 98504-5817
  • Call the 24-Hour Fraud Hotline: 1-800-562-6906
  • Fax: (360) 664-0032, Attention: HOTLINE

When you report fraud, OFA will need details like names and phone numbers. You can make a report anonymously.

To learn more, visit the DSHS Office of Fraud and Accountability website.