Tennessee Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance (TN DHS)
What to expect State child care payment assistance for parents or guardians who work or attend school. Apply through the One DHS Customer Portal or with paper form HS-3408 at a local DHS office.
- Cost
- Some families pay a weekly co-pay based on income and household size
- Who can get help
- Children 6 weeks through kindergarten. Parents must average 30 or more hours per week of work and/or undergraduate school, with household income at or below 85% of State Median Income.
Last checked: October 26, 2026