Child Care Assistance (CCAP)

About This Program

Childcare assistance through CCAP (the Child Care and Development Fund) subsidizes the cost of childcare so that low-income parents can work, go to school, or participate in job training. The subsidy is substantial — full-time childcare can cost $12,000–$25,000 per year depending on location and the child's age, and CCAP can cover most or all of that cost. Families pay a sliding-scale copay based on income; at low income levels the copay may be a few dollars per week or nothing. One of CCAP's most important features is provider choice. Rather than placing children in government-run facilities, the subsidy follows the child to a provider the family selects — a licensed daycare center, a family home daycare, an after-school program, or in some states even a relative caregiver who is enrolled as a provider. The provider is paid directly by the state agency on behalf of the family. Eligibility is set by states within federal guidelines. Income limits are generally at or below 85% of state median income, which is significantly higher than most other means-tested programs — families with moderate incomes can qualify. The parent or guardian must be working, attending school, or in a qualifying training or job search activity. Waiting lists are common. Many states do not have enough funding to serve all eligible families, and some areas have waits of months or years. Apply as early as possible — being on a waitlist does not guarantee assistance, but it establishes your place in line. Ask whether your state has emergency or priority access for certain situations (fleeing domestic violence, family homelessness).

Eligibility Requirements

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