Can i claim child care if my spouse doesn't work outside the home?

[MayaD]

You and your spouse in the case of a joint return must have earned income during the year to claim the credit.

However, your spouse who is out of work during the year must be actively looking for employment, and the work-related expenses must be incurred so that you and your spouse can work or look for work.

Also If your spouse is a full-time student  she will be treated as having earned income of $250 if she has one qualifying person (or $500 for two or more qualifying persons) for any month she is a full-time student.

[VolvoGirl]

If you are married you both need to show income.   Or be disabled or a student.  If one of you is a full time student or disabled you get to claim 250/month as earned income to qualify for the Child Care Credit. From Publication 503…..You or your spouse is a student or not able to care for self. Your spouse who is either a full-time student or not able to care for himself or herself is treated as having earned income. His or her earned income for each month is considered to be at least $250 if there is one qualifying person in your home, or at least $500 if there are two or more.

Info on the Child Care Credit……
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900643-child-and-dependent-care-expense-credit