- Home
- Departments
- Health & Human Services
- Social Services
- Child Care Assistance Program/Smart Start
Child Care Assistance Program/Smart Start
Child Care Assistance
The Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to ensure accessible and affordable childcare by supporting the independence of families.
Services are also provided to:
- Parents employed or attempting to find employment
- Parents in school or in a job training program
- Children with developmental needs
- Children in Protective services or in Foster care.
Ways to apply:
- Phone by calling 910-798-3500
- In person at 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
The Initial Maximum Income Eligibility Limits for Subsidized Child Care Assistance changed on July 01, 2022.
For child care, there are two income limits. One for children 5 and under also all children with special needs, and the other for children 6-12.
200% Federal Poverty Level – used at initial application (All children ages 0-5, and All children with special needs)
Parent Fee Percentage | 10% of Maximum Gross Monthly Income | |||||
Family Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income | $2,265 | $3,052 | $3,838 | $4,625 | $5,412 | $6,198 |
Family Size | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income | $6,985 | $7,772 | $8,558 | $9,345 | $10,132 | $10,918 |
133% Federal Poverty Level – used at initial application; (All children ages 6-12, No children with special needs)
Parent Fee Percentage | 10% of Maximum Gross Monthly Income | |||||
Family Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income | $1,506 | $2,029 | $2,552 | $3,076 | $3,599 | $4,122 |
Family Size | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income | $4,645 | $5,168 | $5,691 | $6,214 | $6,738 | $7,261 |
Smart Start of New Hanover County (SSNHC) can provide you with information on how to select quality child care and also assist with referrals to providers with open availability. SSNHC can be reached at 910-815-3731 or by visiting 3534 S College Road, Suite F, Wilmington, NC 28412.
For more information, visit the NC state website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Parent or call 910-798-3500.