If you are the spouse of a lower enlisted military member, and have young children, it may seem useless to find a job. Most of the money you make will be used to pay for a babysitter so that you can work.

An endless circle that gives you little benefit, right?

Low-income families, however, can receive help from the federal government to pay for childcare so that both parents can work, or attend school.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care, works to provide low-income families with affordable, early care and afterschool programs.

In 2014 the agency paid for some level of childcare for more than 2 million children across the nation. The program was revamped in that year under President Obama’s Early Learning Initiative, legislature that not only provided families with help paying for child care but that also provided training and support to child care providers to make sure children were cared for properly and safely.

Families can apply for childcare assistance through state agencies that administer the federal grant money. Each state determines its own eligibility requirements.

Also, how you apply depends on the state. Some families can apply via phone or mail, in other states families must visit the agency office.

To find the office in your state, visit this website:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ/resource/ccdf-grantee-state-and-territory-contacts

For help finding childcare, even if you don’t qualify for the free program, visit:

http://www.childcareaware.org/