What CCAP/CCDF Is
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is the federal program that funds childcare assistance for low-income families. States receive CCDF block grants and design their own Child Care Assistance Programs (CCAP). The program provides a voucher that pays most of the cost of childcare for qualifying children at a provider you choose. You pay a copayment (typically $5–$50/week based on income) and the subsidy covers the rest up to the state's maximum reimbursement rate.
Who Qualifies
Federal law requires CCDF to prioritize families receiving TANF and families transitioning off TANF. Beyond these priority groups, states serve working families up to 85% of State Median Income (SMI), though many states set limits lower. Activity requirements: parents must be working, in job training, or in school. Children must be under 13 (or under 19 with special needs).
How Much Help You Get
The subsidy covers the difference between the provider's rate and your copayment. Copayments are based on family income and size — typically 1–7% of income, with the lowest copays for the lowest-income families. States set maximum reimbursement rates for different provider types. If your chosen provider charges more than the state maximum, you pay the difference in addition to your copayment.
Eligible Providers
Most states cover: licensed childcare centers, licensed family childcare homes, legally operating license-exempt providers (relatives, family friends), Head Start as a wrap-around supplement, and before/after school programs. Relative care is covered in most states when the relative is registered or meets basic health and safety requirements.
How to Apply
Apply through your state's childcare subsidy agency — typically the Department of Social Services, Human Services, or a dedicated Early Childhood agency. Call 211, search "[your state] childcare assistance program apply," or visit childcare.gov. You'll need: ID, documentation of your qualifying activity, income documentation, and provider information. See How to Find Subsidized Daycare for more on finding providers.
CCAP and TANF Together
If you receive TANF and are required to participate in work activities, you must be guaranteed childcare. If lack of childcare prevents you from participating, notify your caseworker — this is good cause for non-compliance and triggers childcare assistance. Don't accept a sanction when childcare availability is the barrier.
Waitlists and Availability
CCAP demand exceeds funding in many states. Apply immediately — your wait period starts from application date. Some states prioritize TANF recipients and families with infants. While waiting, check Head Start (free for income-eligible families) which may have faster availability. See Head Start Program Eligibility.