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New York State Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The NYS CCAP helps eligible families with some or all of the cost of child care. Each Local Social Services District (LSSD) manages the CCAP with funding and support from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Eligibility Requirements
Families may qualify based on income, reasons for needing day care, and a child’s age or individual needs.
Do I Qualify for CCAP?
CCAP Eligibility Questionnaire
New Eligibility Questionnaire!
Answer a short series of questions to see if you may be able to get child care at low or no cost - in 10 minutes or less!
Eligibility Questionnaire Resources
- Eligibility Questionnaire Guide - English Eligibility Questionnaire Guide | Spanish/Español Eligibility Questionnaire Guide
- How to calculate Gross Monthly Income - English How to calculate Gross Monthly Income | Spanish/Español How to calculate Gross Monthly Income
- CCAP Eligibility Questionnaire Video - English Eligibility Questionnaire Video | Spanish/Español Eligibility Questionnaire Video
Income Requirements
Here are the maximum amounts a family can make and still qualify. While this information can be a helpful tool, families should submit an application to their LDSS to find out if they qualify. Income is only one factor to qualify for child care assistance in New York State. Other families may also qualify, based on their specific needs.
| Family Size | Annual Income Limit* see table footnote | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $51,610 | $4,300 |
| 2 | $67,490 | $5,624 |
| 3 | $83,370 | $6,947 |
| 4 | $99,250 | $8,270 |
| 5 | $115,130 | $9,594 |
| 6 | $131,010 | $10,917 |
Activity Requirements
Currently, the CCAP may be available for most families who need child care to work, look for work, attend employment training, attend an education program, and/or meet income requirements. Contact your LSSD for the most up to date information about what service needs or activities may qualify to meet this requirement.
Family Share (also called Family Copay or Family Fee)
If you qualify, you may need to pay a portion of the cost of care depending on your situation. If you qualify for CCAP, you will receive a notice of approval that includes whether you have a family share, how much it is, and how to pay it.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), many but not all districts accept the below application (OCFS-6025 Application for Child Care Assistance). Prior to completing this application, please contact your LSSD to ensure this application is accepted.
If you would like to apply for Child Care in Lieu of Public Assistance or for other services in addition to child care assistance such as Public Assistance, SNAP, etc., please use the mybenefits link below and contact the LSSD with any questions.
Applications may be emailed, hand delivered, faxed, or mailed it to the LSSD of the county you reside in. The LSSD contact information, including mailing addresses are below. DO NOT send the application to OCFS, it will not be processed. If you have any questions, please contact the LSSD where you live.
When the LSSD receives your application, they will request additional documentation. Please be ready to provide the district copies of your documentation, which may include, but are not limited to:
- Proof of identification (such as, photo ID, driver’s license, US. Passport)
- Child(rens)’s identification, age, and citizen/immigration status (such as, birth certificate, hospital records, permanent resident card)
- Proof of residency (statement from landlord, mortgage records, current lease)
- Income (pay stubs, letter from employer including rate of pay per hour and hours worked per week, tax records, child support, social security benefits)
- Schedule of work, training, or educational activity (work schedule, school or training records or statement from school or training program)
To find your local agency's contact information, you can search for your local social services district in our contact list:
For more information about the Child Care Assistance Program, and to find other useful resources, please visit the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) page.