You may qualify for Maryland child care assistance through the Child Care Scholarship program if you live in Maryland, meet the income rules, and need child care so you can work, go to school, or attend job training.
You will need to have an eligible child and choose an approved child care provider. You may also need to provide documents that show your income, household size, identity, and work, school, or training schedule.
The amount of help you receive—and whether you have to pay part of the cost—depends on your family’s situation. Read on to learn about income limits, how to apply, renewals, and how to report changes.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship can help eligible families pay for child care while parents work, go to school, or take job training.
- You must live in Maryland, care for an eligible child, and meet income limits for your household size.
- You can apply online or at a local Department of Social Services office. Be ready to provide proof of income, identity, Maryland residency, and your work, school, or training schedule.
- You may have to pay part of the child care cost. The amount depends on your income, household size, and how many children receive care.
- Report any changes as soon as possible and renew your benefits before your approval period ends so your assistance does not stop.
How Maryland Child Care Scholarships Work
Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship program can help eligible families pay for child care while parents work, go to school, or take approved job training.
To apply, submit an application through the state and provide any documents they request. The state will review your information and let you know if you qualify.
If you’re approved, you can choose a child care provider that accepts the scholarship. The scholarship may pay all or part of your approved child care costs. Depending on your situation, you may need to pay a family copayment.
Keep your contact, income, work, school, and family information up to date. Report any changes as soon as possible so your benefits aren’t delayed or stopped.
Your local office can help explain payments, copayments, renewals, and what you need to do to keep your scholarship.
Who Qualifies for Maryland Daycare Assistance?
You may qualify for Maryland daycare assistance if you meet income limits and need child care so you can work, go to school, take approved job training, or meet another approved requirement.
You usually must:
- Live in Maryland
- Care for an eligible child
- Be a parent, guardian, or approved caregiver
- Provide documents about your household income, work or school schedule, and child care needs
- Use an approved child care provider
Rules and available funding can change. If you aren’t sure whether you qualify, you can apply or contact your local office for help.
Maryland Child Care Scholarship Income Limits
To qualify for Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship, your household income must be below the program’s income limit. The limit is based on how many people are in your household. Make sure to count everyone who’s considered part of your household under the program’s rules. Since income limits can change, check the most current guidelines before applying.
Income Eligibility Thresholds
Income limits help determine whether your family qualifies for Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship. Eligibility is based on your household size and your gross income, which is your income before taxes are taken out.
When you apply, your income usually must be below the program’s current entry limit. You may be able to keep receiving help if your income increases, up to a higher exit limit. This can help prevent you from losing child care assistance right away after a raise or new job.
Check the most recent income limits before you apply because they can change. Be sure to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or benefit statements.
Household Size Requirements
Your household size helps determine the income limit for your Maryland Child Care Scholarship application.
Count the people who live with you, including:
- You, the applicant
- Your spouse, if you are married and live together
- Your children who live with you
- Other eligible dependents you support in your home
| Household member | Include? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| You | Yes | You are part of the household. |
| Spouse | Usually | Your spouse’s income may be counted. |
| Child dependent | Yes | More household members may increase the income limit. |
| Other dependent | Check first | The rules may be different for other dependents. |
List everyone honestly and provide any proof requested. Do not leave out household members because of budgeting or other personal reasons. The agency uses your household size to decide whether you qualify.
Contact your local office if custody, living arrangements, or who you support changes.
Recent Limit Updates
Maryland updates Child Care Scholarship income limits from time to time. Before you apply or renew, check the current income chart.
Whether you qualify depends on your household size, the income the program counts, and the current income limits for joining or staying in the program. If your income changes, report it as soon as possible. You may still qualify after a raise, depending on the updated limits.
Use Maryland’s official Child Care Scholarship information or contact your local agency for the latest income limits and the documents you need to provide. Provider rules, such as recreation licenses or pet policies, don’t affect your income eligibility. However, they may affect whether a child care program is a good fit for your family. Ask questions early so you can plan with confidence.
Work, School, and Training Requirements
To qualify for Maryland child care assistance, you usually must be working, going to school, or taking part in an approved job-training program. The hours you work or attend school or training may affect how much child care help you can receive.
These rules help show that you need child care while you work, study, or train for a job.
Eligible Work Activities
Eligible Work Activities
To qualify for Maryland daycare assistance, you usually need to be working, in school, or participating in an approved job-training program. These activities must help you prepare for work or become financially stable.
Eligible activities may include:
- Paid employment
- Self-employment
- Work-study programs
- School or college
- Job training or employment programs
You may need to provide proof of your activity, such as pay stubs, work schedules, a letter from your employer, or school or training records.
Report changes right away if you lose your job, your work schedule changes, or your hours are reduced. The agency will review your situation to decide whether your activity meets the program rules.
School And Training Rules
If you apply for daycare assistance while you’re in school or job training, your program must help you get a job or earn a job-related certificate or degree.
You may qualify if you attend college, trade school, an apprenticeship, adult basic education, or an approved workforce program.
You may need to provide:
- Your class schedule
- Proof that you’re enrolled
- Your training plan
- Your expected graduation or completion date
Maryland may check whether your classes, study time, travel time, and childcare hours make sense together.
Tell your local office right away if you drop a class, change programs, or change your schedule.
Choose a program that has a clear connection to a job or career. Before you enroll, ask your local office what documents you’ll need.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Before you apply for Maryland child care assistance, gather documents that show you qualify. You will usually need proof of:
- Your identity
- Your Maryland address
- Your household income
- Your child’s age
If you work, go to school, or attend job training, include documents that show your work or class schedule.
Include information for everyone in your household. You may also need information about another parent or guardian.
| Document type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity and address | Photo ID, lease, utility bill |
| Income and work or school | Pay stubs, employer letter, class schedule |
You may also need:
- Custody documents
- Child support records
- Immigration documents
Use current, clear documents. Documents that are unrelated to your application will not help show that you qualify.
How to Apply for Maryland Daycare Assistance
Before you apply, check whether you meet Maryland’s requirements for child care assistance. These may include your income, household size, and whether you work, attend school, or are in job training.
If you qualify, apply through the Maryland Department of Education’s Child Care Scholarship Program. Include all required documents to help avoid delays with your application.
Check Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Maryland child care assistance, you usually need to:
- Meet income limits based on your household size.
- Live in Maryland.
- Have a child who meets the program’s age and residency rules.
- Need child care so you can work, attend school, or take part in job training.
- Use an approved child care provider, if the program requires it.
Eligibility rules may be different depending on your family size, custody situation, and your child’s needs. Check the current Maryland child care assistance guidelines or contact the program if you’re unsure.
Submit Your Application
If you think you may qualify, apply for a Child Care Scholarship online or get help from your local Department of Social Services office.
Before you apply, gather documents that show:
| What to gather | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Proof of income | To see if you meet income requirements |
| Proof of work, school, or training | To show why you need child care |
| Information about your child and household | To match services to your family |
| Proof of identity | To confirm who you are |
The state may contact you if it needs more information or documents.
Apply as soon as you can. Funding may depend on available money. Your local office may also know about nonprofit groups that can help with your application, documents, or referrals while you wait for a decision.
How Long Does Application Approval Take?
Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship approval time can vary. It depends on whether your application is complete, whether you submit all required documents, and how many applications are being reviewed.
To help avoid delays:
- Submit all requested income documents.
- Provide proof that you live in Maryland.
- Make sure your household size is correct.
- Respond quickly if more documents or information are requested.
Your application may take longer to process if information is missing, doesn’t match, or is hard to verify. Check your application status often and keep copies of everything you submit.
What Happens After Your Scholarship Is Approved?
After your Maryland Child Care Scholarship is approved, you’ll get a notice with:
- Whether you’re eligible
- How much help you’ll receive
- When your benefits start and end
Read the notice carefully. Follow the instructions to choose or confirm an approved child care provider.
Keep your contact, income, and family information up to date to continue receiving help.
Approval Notice Details
Approval Notice Details
Once your Maryland Child Care Scholarship is approved, you’ll get an approval notice. This notice explains your child care assistance, including:
- When your scholarship starts and ends
- Which children are covered
- Which child care provider(s) are approved
- Whether you must pay a family copayment
Read the notice carefully to make sure the information is correct.
Check that it includes:
- The scholarship start and end dates
- Every child who should receive assistance
- Correct information about your approved child care provider
- Your copayment amount, if you have one
If anything is missing or incorrect, contact the scholarship office as soon as possible. Keep the notice for your records.
Next Steps After Approval
After your Maryland Child Care Scholarship is approved, you can start using it on the start date listed in your notice with the approved provider.
Contact the provider to confirm your child’s enrollment, schedule, and any forms you need to complete. You may have a family copayment, so check the amount and plan for it in your budget.
Keep your approval notice and case information in a safe place. Report changes in your income, job, school, household size, address, or child care needs as soon as possible. These changes may affect your eligibility.
If you need to change providers, make sure the new provider accepts Child Care Scholarships before you switch. Renew your scholarship by the deadline in your notice to avoid a break in child care assistance.
How Much Is Your Child Care Copayment?
How Much Is Your Child Care Copayment?
Your Maryland Child Care Scholarship copayment is the amount you may need to pay toward your child care costs. The amount is based on:
- Your household income
- Your family size
- How many children in your family receive subsidized child care
After your eligibility is reviewed, you’ll be told your copayment amount. You can use this information to plan your budget and make sure payments fit your schedule.
Your copayment may change if you report changes such as:
- An increase or decrease in income
- A change in household size
- A child starting or stopping subsidized care
- A change in work, school, or caregiver responsibilities
Pay your required amount on time to keep your child care assistance. Keep records of your payments and report changes as soon as possible.
Safety checks help make sure child care is safe and high quality, but they don’t affect your copayment amount.
How to Find an Approved Maryland Provider
To use Maryland Child Care Scholarship help, choose a child care provider that accepts the scholarship.
Start by using Maryland’s child care search tool or contacting your local Child Care Scholarship office. Ask for approved providers near your home, job, or school.
Before you enroll, make sure the provider:
- Accepts the Maryland Child Care Scholarship
- Has an open space for your child
- Serves your child’s age group
- Has hours that work for your schedule
- Can meet any transportation needs
You may also want to review the provider’s licensing information and visit the program. During your visit, ask about staff training, daily activities, meals, safety, and pickup and drop-off routines.
Ask about any costs you may need to pay, such as copayments, registration fees, or activity fees. Keep your scholarship approval information with you so the provider can confirm your eligibility and help complete enrollment.
Can You Use Assistance at Home Daycares?
Yes. You can often use Maryland Child Care Scholarship assistance at a licensed home daycare if the provider accepts the program.
Before you enroll, check that:
- The provider has an active Maryland family child care license.
- The home daycare accepts Child Care Scholarship payments.
- Your child meets the program’s age, residency, and other eligibility rules.
- The provider can meet your child’s needs, routines, and safety requirements.
Home daycares can offer smaller groups and more personal communication. Ask the provider about supervision, backup care, daily routines, and safety policies.
What Maryland Child Care Scholarships Cover
Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship can help pay for child care while you work, go to school, or take part in an approved program.
The amount you receive depends on your income, family size, approved reason for needing care, and the type of child care you choose. You may have to pay part of the cost, called a family copayment. The scholarship pays the rest of the approved amount directly to your child care provider.
The scholarship only covers participating providers that are licensed or approved by the state. Talk with your provider about whether they accept the scholarship, available openings, and their rates. This can help you understand your costs and choose care that works for your family.
How to Report Changes to Your Case
Tell us as soon as possible about changes that could affect your Child Care Scholarship. Reporting changes quickly helps Maryland review your case correctly and can help prevent delays, overpayments, or a break in child care assistance.
Contact your local Department of Social Services or use the approved way to report changes to your case.
Report changes like:
- Changes to your income, job, work hours, or employment.
- A new address, phone number, or person living in your household.
- Changes to your child’s child care schedule or child care provider.
- Changes to school, training, or family circumstances.
Keep copies of any documents you send. Write down when and how you reported the change. If you aren’t sure whether a change matters, report it.
How to Renew Your Child Care Scholarship
Renew Your Child Care Scholarship
Renew your Child Care Scholarship before your current approval ends so your child care help can continue.
Watch for a renewal notice. It will tell you what information you need to provide and when it is due. Send in all requested information by the deadline.
You may need to show that you still qualify based on your:
- Household members
- Income
- Job, job training, or school schedule
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Read the notice | Check the due date and what information is needed. |
| Update your information | Report your current household and income details. |
| Send documents | Provide any requested proof as soon as possible. |
Keep copies of all forms and documents you submit. If you need help with your renewal, contact your local office.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
If Maryland denies your Child Care Scholarship application, read the denial letter carefully. It should explain why you were denied and what you can do next.
- Check the reason for the denial. Make sure the information in the notice is correct.
- Gather documents that support your application. This may include proof of income, work, school, where you live, or the number of people in your household.
- Send missing or corrected information by the deadline. Follow the instructions in your denial notice.
- Ask for a review or appeal if you think the decision was wrong. Contact Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship office to learn your options.
Keep copies of all documents, letters, and messages you send or receive. You may also be able to apply again if your situation changes or you can get the missing documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Grandparents Receive Payment for Providing Child Care?
Yes. Grandparents may be paid for caring for grandchildren if they meet the program’s rules. Usually, they must be approved, complete required paperwork, and provide care through an authorized child care program.
Check with your local child care agency to confirm eligibility, family relationship rules, and how to enroll.
Is Daycare Assistance Available for Children With Special Needs?
Yes. Child care assistance may be available for children with special needs. You usually must meet income and program rules.
Contact your local child care agency to ask about applying, available programs, and providers that can support your child’s needs. Ask whether they offer accommodations or specialized care.
Does Maryland Offer Emergency Child Care Assistance?
Yes. Maryland may offer emergency child care assistance through local programs for families facing urgent situations, such as homelessness, a family crisis, or sudden work changes. Eligibility rules vary, so contact your local child care agency as soon as possible to ask about available help.
Can I Use My Scholarship While Traveling Outside Maryland?
You may be able to use your scholarship while traveling, but there may be limits on out-of-state services. Check with your caseworker before you leave Maryland. In most cases, you must continue living in Maryland and use approved providers.
Are Summer Camps Covered by Maryland Child Care Scholarships?
Summer camps may be covered by a Maryland Child Care Scholarship if the camp meets program rules and your family is eligible.
To use your scholarship, make sure:
- The camp is an approved child care provider.
- The camp accepts Maryland Child Care Scholarships.
- Your scholarship is active for the summer.
Conclusion
Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship may help pay for child care while you work, go to school, or attend job training.
To apply, check whether you meet the income and activity requirements. You may need to provide documents, such as proof of income, work or school schedules, and identification. Report changes quickly so you do not lose your benefits.
If your application is denied, read the notice carefully. You may be able to send more information or ask for an appeal. Renew your benefits on time and use available resources to help pay for your family’s child care.