Family Work & Childcare Affordability Calculator
Make informed decisions about work, childcare, and your family's financial future. Compare scenarios side-by-side to see what works best for you.
The US has no universal childcare funding. Support comes through the tax system — a credit for care costs, a pre-tax spending account through your employer, and the Child Tax Credit — so the benefit lands as a smaller tax bill rather than a smaller invoice.
From 2026 the Child and Dependent Care Credit starts at up to 50% of qualifying costs and drops one percentage point for every $2,000 of adjusted gross income above $15,000, to 35% by about $45,000. It holds at 35% until $150,000 for joint filers ($75,000 for others), then drops one point per $4,000 ($2,000) to a 20% floor. Most dual-income households land between 20% and 35% of a capped amount. Because the cap is on expenses, not income, the credit is worth a shrinking share of your bill as fees rise.
A tax credit for care costs that let you work.
Source: IRS Publication 503
An employer account you fund from pre-tax salary and spend on childcare.
A per-child credit, not tied to childcare spending.
Figures are quoted from the official sources linked above and can change at each budget. Always confirm your own entitlement with the relevant government service before making a decision.
Support rules are only half the answer. Enter your household's income, childcare bill and commute to see whether the second salary clears the cost of care once tax and lost subsidy are taken off.