What is the Child Care Assistance Program?
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps pay a portion of the cost of childcare for working families, or families in training or education programs.
Families with low income who meet certain eligibility criteria qualify for the program.
Quick Links
How Do I Apply for CCAP?
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.
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.
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.
The Customer Support Center can help 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.
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. Download the current sliding fee scale (Effective August 1, 2023).
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).
In 2022 North Dakota increased the income level for CCAP to 85% of the state's median income so that more working families could get help with child care costs.
|
Family Size (Adults and Children) |
Maximum Monthly Income |
| 2 | $5,158 |
| 3 | $6,371 |
| 4 | $7,585 |
| 5 | $8,798 |
| 6 | $10,011 |
| 7 | $10,239 |
| 8 | $10,467 |
How do CCAP Payments Work?
CCAP payments are based on the Sliding Fee Scale. You can watch this video to learn how a family's CCAP benefit amount is determined. CCAP sends payment to the provider.
Information and Resources
The Child Care Assistance Program has some upcoming changes as a result of legislative session and the ending of some pandemic-related assistance. Here's what you need to know.
Increased payment rates:
- Starting with August 2023 payments, CCAP is increasing the allowable payment amount for infants and toddlers. View the State Provider Rates section of the August 2023 Sliding Fee Scale to see the new amounts. This change is occurring as a result of legislative session (HB 1540).
Changes to Co-pays:
- Beginning with July 2023 payments, co-pays will start again. Co-pays had been waived since March 2021 as a way to help with pandemic-related hardship.
- Note: A co-payment is a portion of the child care cost paid by the family. The amount is determined on a sliding fee scale based on a family’s income and household size.
- You can watch this video to learn how a family's CCAP co-payment and benefit amount are determined.
- Co-pays will be waived for families at or below 30% SMI. This change is occurring as a result of legislative session (HB 1540).
Payments will no longer be issued at the max rate:
- Beginning with payments for the service month of July, payments will again be based on the sliding fee scale. Payments had been issued at the max state rate to help families with pandemic-related hardship.
- You can watch this video to learn how a family's benefit amount is determined.
Changes to Payments Made to Families:
- Beginning August 1, 2023 payments will no longer be made to families. This change is occurring as a result of legislative session (SB 2084).
Starting July 1, 2023 diapers are exempt from sales tax in North Dakota. This is a result of HB1177.
If you would like to find a version of these publications that can be translated, visit the Apply for Help Publications page.
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Child Care Assistance Program.
- Child Care Assistance Program Overview
- Brochure: Child Care Assistance Program - Helping Families with Child Care Costs
- Sliding Fee Scale
The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. It provides many services and supports to families and child care providers across the state.
- Child Care Development Fund Fact Sheet (Revised September 2021)
- Information on how to access resources regarding provider health and safety information, help in finding available child care and more.
- 2022-2024 CCDF State Plan Public Comments and Responses (Posted July 1, 2021)
- Amended 2022-2024 ND Child Care and Development Fund State Plan (Posted Sept. 6, 2022)
- Amended 2022-2024 ND Child Care and Development Fund State Plan (Posted Feb 7, 2023)
- CCDF Plan Approval Letters
- Amendment Approval Letter (Posted Sept 6, 2022)
- Conditional Approval Letter
- Amendment Approval Letter (Posted Feb 7, 2023)
Note: A copy can also be obtained by calling 701-328-2332, toll-free 800-755-2716, or 711 (TTY).
Visit the CCAP Provider webpage.
What else can HHS help me with?
HHS may be able to help with more than just your child care needs.
Other programs you may qualify for include health care, food support, housing and utility help.
Who can help me apply or answer questions about CCAP?
For help applying, questions about eligibility, or your existing case, contact the Customer Support Center:
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 would like in-person help visit your local human service zone office.
State Office Contact Information:
Economic Assistance Policy Division
Child Care Assistance Program
600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325
Bismarck ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2332
Toll-Free: (800) 755-2716 (ND Only)
711 (TTY)
Email: dhseap@nd.gov