HELP! I'm not sure where to go to see if I can get financial help for childcare. My daughter is 16 months old and I don't collect any child support. Boy, it sure is getting tough......

Go to your local Division of Family Services (DFS) office. Bring along proof of income. You will be required to establish paternity/begin child support proceedings if an order is not already in place.

All state income guidelines are different, but here in Missouri, if you make more than $1199/mo for a family of 2 you are not eligible. They determine your total income by multiplying your hourly pay by 40 for a weekly total, then multiply the weekly total by 4.33 for the monthly total.

If you qualify, the program subsidizes an amount on a sliding scale basis. Childcare is so expensive, that the subsidy usually only covers a portion of the total cost...but it's better than nothing.

I've heard many states have a lengthy waiting list for assistance, so be prepared.