Key Points:
- In 2021, 11.5 million children were eligible for child care subsidies under federal rules; under state rules – which can be more restrictive – 8.0 million were eligible.
- 1.8 million children received subsidies, representing 15 percent of those eligible under federal rules and 22 percent under state rules.
- Children in deeper poverty were more likely to receive subsidies than those who were less poor.
- Younger children (ages one through five) were more likely to receive subsidies than older, school-aged children.
- Black, non-Hispanic children who were federally eligible for subsidies were more likely to receive subsidies, compared to children of other races and ethnicities who were eligible.
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