Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps pay a portion of the cost of child care for working families, or families in training or education programs.
Families who meet certain eligibility criteria qualify for the program.
Quick Links
- Data Dashboard
- Find a Child Care Provider
- Information for Providers
- CCAP News
- Co-payment Worksheet
How Do I Apply for CCAP?
Apply Online
Submit an application in the Self-Service Portal (SSP).
Apply Locally
Print an application and return it to the Customer Support Center or in person at your local Human Service Zone office.
Apply by mail
Submit a request to have an application mailed to you and return it to the Customer Support Center.
What do I need to apply for CCAP?
Documents to have when you apply:
- Completed CCAP application
- Driver’s license or picture ID
- Birth certificates for the children
- Verification of court ordered child support or court ordered spousal support deduction (if applicable)
- Proof of income (last month and current month)
- Social Security Number (SSN) for the caretaker and for each child
Note: The SSN helps with accurate identification. If you do not wish to give SSNs it will not affect your participation in this program.
Get Started in the Self-Service Portal (SSP)
You can use the SSP to apply online, complete a review and much more for CCAP and other financial help programs. Getting started is easy.
- Click here to go to the SSP.
- Create a North Dakota login. If you already have one, you can skip this step.
- Link your case to your North Dakota login.
If you need help, videos and step-by-step instructions can be found on the SSP Help page.
Need help? Our Customer Support Center is here for you.
- report changes to your case
- answer questions about your case or programs
This is also where you will send documents related to your case either by email, fax or mail.
Contact the center at:
Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
Phone: 1.866.614.6005 or 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY)
Fax: 701.328.1006
Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck ND 58506
If you need help using the SSP, find videos and step-by-step instructions on the SSP Help page.
Child Care Workforce Benefit for Employees of Licensed Child Care Providers
Are you employed by a licensed child care provider? Sign up for the Child Care Workforce Benefit today!
Why should I participate?
- You can receive payments for your child care costs up to the full-time state max rate.
- Your co-payment will be waived.
To qualify for this you must:
- Live in North Dakota.
- Be employed by a licensed child care provider in North Dakota.
- Work at least 25 hours per week.
- Meet Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) eligibility requirements (except for income limits).
Eligible employees may receive the benefit even if their children are enrolled in a program other than where the parent works.
How do I sign up?
- Fill out a CCAP application.
- Already on CCAP? All you need to do is complete the SFN 354 and send it to applyforhelp@nd.gov.
- If you have trouble downloading this form, find help by clicking here.
Note: Although the benefit is available to all licensed child care program employees regardless of income, the employee’s household income is required to process applications and to inform the effectiveness of the benefit.
Who qualifies for CCAP?
Families with who meet certain eligibility criteria qualify for the program.
Must be participating in an allowable activity:
- Working (paid employment or self-employed)
- Education or training programs
Temporary allowable activity:
- In situations of homelessness, looking for employment, education or training activities, and housing is considered allowable
Age limits:
- Once children are determined eligible, they may receive services until the eligibility period in which they turn 13 years old expires
- A child with special needs may qualify up to age 19
Asset Limits:
- A family’s assets cannot exceed $1,000,000
- Monthly income from wages, child support, pensions, veteran’s benefits or other sources must be less than the CCAP income limits
Copayment:
In most cases, families pay a co-payment, which is a portion of the child care cost. A co-payment is determined on a sliding fee scale based on a family's income and household size. Use our Worksheet for Calculating Copay to determine your co-pay amount.
What are the Income Limits for CCAP?
This table shows the maximum monthly income a household can earn to qualify for the program* (before taxes).
Families with ongoing CCAP benefits prior to July 1, 2024, with a state median income between 75% to 85% will be eligible for an additional 18 month period at their next review.
Don't count yourself out! Even if you don't think you qualify, you are still encouraged to apply.
| Family Size (Adults and Children) | Maximum Monthly Income |
| 2 | $4,866 |
| 3 | $6,011 |
| 4 | $7,156 |
| 5 | $8,301 |
| 6 | $9,446 |
| 7 | $9,661 |
| 8 | $9,875 |
