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All kinds of help

Care

Help paying for child care and preschool, care for older adults, and support for people with disabilities. Your state runs help paying for child care and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Head Start is free preschool for young children in families with low income.Help in Ohio and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Ohio

Ohio programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Ohio Department of Children and Youth

    Child Care Assistance

    Child care assistance helps eligible families pay for care while they work, attend school, or train.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

  • Ohio Department of Aging

    Aging Services

    Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging connect older adults and caregivers with local services and support.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

    Developmental Disabilities Services

    DODD oversees services and supports for eligible Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

    Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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