data/programs/ccap.json

{
  "id": "ccap",
  "name": "CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program)",
  "jurisdiction": "state:MN",
  "category": "child_care",
  "source": "MN Statutes 119B.09, 119B.12; DCYF Child Care Assistance Program guidelines; MN House Research",
  "description": "The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low- and moderate-income Minnesota families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. Child care costs are among the largest expenses for working families, and CCAP substantially reduces these costs so parents can maintain employment and children can access quality care.\n\nCCAP serves families with children under age 13 (or under 18 for children with special needs or disabilities). Parents must be working, attending school, or in an approved training or employment services activity. The program pays a portion of the child care costs directly to the child care provider, and the family pays a copay based on their income and family size.\n\nIncome eligibility uses the State Median Income (SMI) as its benchmark. The entry income limit is 47% of the SMI, and the exit income limit is 85% of the SMI (families can stay on the program until they reach 85% SMI, even if they entered below 47% SMI). For 2024-2025, 47% SMI for a family of 3 is approximately $4,200/month ($50,400/year); 85% SMI for a family of 3 is approximately $7,600/month ($91,200/year). Exact figures are updated annually. There is no asset test.\n\nCopayments (the family's share) are set on a sliding scale based on gross income and family size. At the lowest income levels, copayments may be $0 or very small. Families earning closer to the 47% SMI entry limit pay a moderate copay. The copay is set per family, not per child. CCAP pays the difference between the copay and the provider's rate, up to the county maximum reimbursement rate.\n\nFamilies may choose any licensed child care provider, licensed family child care home, or legally unlicensed (license-exempt) relative care provider who is registered with the county. Licensed providers must accept CCAP reimbursement rates. License-exempt relative providers (grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc.) may also be paid through CCAP in many cases.\n\nApplications are submitted to the county human services office where the family lives, or in some counties online at MNbenefits.mn.gov. Wait lists exist in some counties due to high demand. Families on MFIP are automatically connected to CCAP as part of their employment services plan.",
  "eligibility_summary": "Family with child(ren) under 13 (under 18 if child has disabilities). Parent(s) working, in school, or in approved training. Income at entry: at or below 47% State Median Income (approximately $4,200/month for family of 3 in 2024-2025). Income at exit: 85% SMI (approximately $7,600/month for family of 3). No asset test. Minnesota resident.",
  "benefit_amounts": "CCAP pays child care provider directly (minus family copay). Copay is on sliding scale based on income and family size — can be $0 at lowest incomes. Maximum reimbursement set by county; family pays difference if provider charges above that rate.",
  "documents_required": "Proof of identity, Social Security numbers for parents and children, proof of Minnesota residency, proof of income, documentation of work/school/training activity (employer letter, class schedule), child care provider name and address, birth certificates for children.",
  "application_url": "https://mnbenefits.mn.gov",
  "contact": "Contact your county human services office. CCAP information line: 651-431-3809 or 1-800-657-3954"
}