The Trump administration is drafting a new rule that would allow married couples with a stay-at-home parent to collect federal child care subsidies, marking the first time the government would directly pay parents to care for their children at home.

The change targets the Child Care and Development Fund, a program established in the 1990s to help low-income and working parents afford child care. Under the proposed update, eligible married couples could receive roughly $9,000 per child annually for parent-based care, provided one spouse works at least 35 hours per week.

The plan is a top priority for Vice President JD Vance and aligns with broader administration efforts to support traditional family structures. Officials aim to finalize the rule without congressional approval through the Department of Health and Human Services.

The draft explicitly creates a new category of care that recognizes the value of a parent staying home. This approach expands options for families who prefer one parent to handle child-rearing rather than relying on outside providers.

Critics have raised concerns that the shift could reduce funding available for working parents and child care centers. Supporters counter that the policy promotes parental choice and strengthens families by recognizing at-home care as a legitimate use of existing resources.

The proposal builds on recent administration actions, including expanded child tax credits and new savings vehicles for children. It reflects ongoing efforts to reshape federal family policy around flexibility and traditional values.