Military Child Care Fee Calculator
Calculate your estimated child care fees for CDC, MCCYN, and branch-specific programs.
Branch
Location
Cost Area
Care Type
Income
Children
Select Your Branch of Service
Each branch has slightly different child care fee structures.
Army
Army CYS child care programs
Navy / Marines
Navy / Marines CYP programs
Air Force / Space Force
DoD standard CDC rates
Coast Guard
DHS rank-based MCCYN rates
Understanding Military Child Care Fees (2025-2026)
Military child care programs are available to all active duty, Reserve, and Guard families. Fees are based on your Total Family Income (TFI) and vary by branch and location. The DoD subsidizes a significant portion of child care costs, making military child care one of the most affordable options available.
Types of Military Child Care
CDC (Child Development Center)
On-base child care for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Fees range from $54 to $236 per week based on TFI category (SY 2025-2026).
MCCYN (Fee Assistance)
Off-base child care with fee assistance up to $2,000/month for full-time care. Available when CDC spots are full or off-base care is preferred.
Army CYS
Army Child & Youth Services operates its own fee structure with monthly billing and three cost areas (standard, high-cost, and low-cost).
Navy CYP
Navy Child & Youth Programs uses Military Payday billing (1st and 15th) with standard and high-cost area rates.
Total Family Income (TFI) Categories
Your TFI determines your fee category (I through XII). TFI includes all household income: military base pay, BAH, BAS, special pay, bonuses, and spouse earnings. Here are the 2025-2026 income ranges:
Cat I: Up to $45,000
Cat II: $45,001 - $55,000
Cat III: $55,001 - $65,000
Cat IV: $65,001 - $77,500
Cat V: $77,501 - $90,000
Cat VI: $90,001 - $102,500
Cat VII: $102,501 - $115,000
Cat VIII: $115,001 - $130,000
Cat IX: $130,001 - $145,000
Cat X: $145,001 - $160,000
Cat XI: $160,001 - $175,000
Cat XII: $175,001+
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CDC (Child Development Center)?
A Child Development Center (CDC) is an on-base child care facility operated by the Department of Defense. CDCs provide full-time and part-time care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Fees are based on Total Family Income (TFI) and range from $54 to $236 per week per child for SY 2025-2026.
What is MCCYN and how does fee assistance work?
MCCYN (Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood) is a DoD fee assistance program for families using civilian child care providers. The program pays the difference between your parent fee and the provider's rate, up to $2,000/month for full-time care or $1,000/month for part-time. If the provider charges more than the cap, you pay the difference.
How is Total Family Income (TFI) calculated?
TFI includes all household income: military base pay, BAH, BAS, and other allowances, plus any spouse income. TFI determines your fee category (I through XII), which sets your child care rate. Check your LES for military income and your spouse's W-2 or tax return.
Is there a multi-child discount?
Yes. Most military child care programs offer a 20% multi-child discount. The full rate is charged for the first child, and each additional child receives a 20% reduction on the same care option.
Why does the Coast Guard have different rates?
The Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not the DoD. Their MCCYN child care fees are based on the sponsor's rank rather than the TFI sliding scale used by Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force.
What are the 2025-2026 military child care rates?
For SY 2025-2026, DoD CDC weekly rates range from $54 (Category I, income under $45,000) to $236 (Category XII, income over $175,001). MCCYN monthly rates range from $234 to $1,023 for full-time care. Rates vary by branch and whether your installation is in a high-cost or standard area.
