WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Low-income families with children in Whatcom County will soon be eligible for some financial relief.

The county council voted Tuesday night, Aug. 11 to approve a contract with AidKit to create a program meant to help families with the burden of childcare costs.

Officials estimate about 1,400 kids are eligible for the newly-created Whatcom Kids First Child Care Subsidy Program.

Residents who make up to 75% of the state’s median income qualify to apply for the subsidies.

AidKit is still in the process of setting up applications and other online resources for the program, but initial payments are expected to begin early next year.

The voter-approved Healthy Children’s Fund will provide just over $7 million to support the subsidy program through 2028.