North Dakota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help pay for child care while you work, go to school, train for a job, or take part in another approved activity.
To qualify, you must:
- Live in North Dakota
- Need child care for an eligible child
- Meet household income rules
CCAP may help cover care from licensed child care centers, family child care homes, approved relatives, or approved in-home providers.
You may still have to pay part of the cost, called a copayment. You may also have to pay any amount the provider charges above the program’s approved rate.
Below, you can find information about eligibility, required documents, approved providers, and how to appeal a decision.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help eligible families pay for child care while they work, go to school, or take part in approved activities.
- To qualify, you generally must live in North Dakota, meet income limits, have a child who needs care, and have an approved reason for needing child care.
- CCAP may help pay for care at approved child care centers, family child care homes, relatives’ homes, or in-home providers.
- You can apply online or through your local Human Service Zone. You may need to provide identification, proof of income, and your work or school schedule.
- You may still have to pay part of the cost, called a copayment, or pay charges that are higher than the state’s approved rate. Ask the provider whether they accept CCAP, have openings, and what you may owe before enrolling.
What North Dakota Daycare Assistance Covers
North Dakota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, go to school, take approved training, or complete other approved activities.
CCAP may help pay for care from:
- Licensed child care centers
- Licensed family child care homes
- Approved relatives or in-home providers
The amount CCAP pays depends on the type of provider, your approved child care hours, and state payment rates. You may have to pay a copayment and any amount the provider charges above CCAP’s approved payment.
CCAP helps pay for child supervision and care. Before care starts, check with your local Human Service Zone to make sure the provider is approved and to learn how billing works.
Who Qualifies for North Dakota Daycare Assistance?
You may qualify for North Dakota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) if you need help paying for child care.
To qualify, you generally must:
- Live in North Dakota
- Have a child who needs care
- Meet income limits
- Need child care so you can work, go to school or training, or take part in another approved activity
- Provide requested information about your household, income, identity, and need for child care
Parents, relatives who are legally responsible for a child, and some foster or kinship caregivers may apply. Contact your local human service office for help applying.
Income Limits for Child Care Assistance
To qualify for North Dakota child care assistance, your household income must be within the program’s limits. The income limit depends on the number of people in your household, so be sure to include everyone who counts.
You may need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, benefit letters, or other documents the program requests.
Household Income Guidelines
Household income is an important part of deciding whether your family qualifies for North Dakota Child Care Assistance. The program looks at your household’s gross income, meaning income before taxes and other deductions, and compares it with current state income limits.
Report all required income accurately, including:
- Wages from a job
- Self-employment income
- Child support
- Unemployment benefits
- Other required income sources
Some types of payments or deductions may be counted differently under program rules. Don’t assume that every dollar of income affects your eligibility in the same way.
Check North Dakota Health and Human Services guidance for the most current income limits and documents you need to provide. Keep pay stubs, benefit letters, and other income records available. Story ideas and travel tips don’t affect your application.
Family Size Considerations
Your family size can affect the income limit used for your North Dakota Child Care Assistance application.
The program usually counts the people in your household who are part of your assistance unit. This may include you, your spouse or co-parent, and eligible children who live with you.
Larger families may have higher income limits because the program adjusts limits based on family size. Be sure to report everyone in your household correctly and check current state rules for details that may apply to your situation.
If your household changes because of a birth, move, marriage, or custody change, contact the agency that handles your case for updated eligibility information.
Eligibility Income Verification
North Dakota Child Care Assistance looks at your household’s income to see if you qualify. You must report income from jobs, self-employment, child support, unemployment benefits, and other available sources for people in your household.
The agency may ask for proof of income, such as pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax records, benefit letters, or bank statements. Turn in the requested documents by the deadline to avoid delays or a possible denial of your application.
Income limits are based on family size and can change each year. Report any income changes as soon as possible. Reporting accurately can help prevent overpayments and protect your child care assistance.
Work, School, and Training Rules
To get North Dakota daycare assistance, you usually need child care so you can work, go to school, or take part in an approved job training or employment program.
You may need to provide your work schedule, class schedule, or training schedule. Report changes as soon as possible. The program may contact your employer, school, or training provider to confirm that you’re participating.
If your schedule changes, tell your local Human Service Zone. They can review whether the change affects your eligibility.
Keep records showing that you’re enrolled and attending work, school, or training. Moving expenses don’t count as a reason to qualify for child care assistance. However, you should report a move because it could affect your case or access to services.
Types of Child Care Assistance Can Cover
If you meet the work, school, or training requirement, North Dakota’s Child Care Assistance Program may help pay for child care.
The program may cover care from:
- Licensed child care centers
- Licensed family child care homes
- Approved relatives
- Other providers who meet program rules
Before you enroll, make sure the provider is approved for the program. Whether care is covered can depend on the type of setting and the provider’s approval status.
| Type of care | May be covered? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed child care center | Usually yes | Make sure the center has a current license. |
| Licensed family child care home | Usually yes | Confirm the home is approved. |
| Care from a relative | Sometimes | Check whether the relative and care arrangement qualify. |
| Other child care provider | Depends | Ask program staff if the provider can be approved. |
Assistance may help with eligible child care costs while you work, attend school, or take part in approved training.
How Much Child Care Assistance May Pay
Child care assistance payments depend on your income, family size, your child’s age, the type of care, and the provider’s approved rate.
North Dakota may pay only up to a set maximum amount. If your provider charges more than that amount, you may need to pay the difference. You may also have to pay a family copayment.
Your approved payment amount can change if your income, work hours, household size, or child care needs change. Before choosing a provider, check the payment limits and copayment rules so you can plan for any costs you may need to pay yourself.
How to Apply for Daycare Assistance
After you understand what you may have to pay, you can apply for North Dakota Child Care Assistance online or through your local Human Service Zone office.
You will fill out an application for your household and explain why you need child care, such as for work, job training, school, or another approved activity.
The state will review your application to see if you qualify. They’ll look at things like:
- Whether you live in North Dakota
- Your household income
- Who lives in your household
- Whether your child is eligible
Apply as soon as you can, and answer any requests from the agency by the deadline. Your local office can help explain how to apply, how long it may take, and what language or accessibility help is available.
Documents Needed for Your Application
Gather your documents before you apply for North Dakota Child Care Assistance. Having these records ready helps your local Human Service Zone review your application faster.
You will usually need proof of:
- Who you are and who is in your household
- Your household income
- Your work, job training, or school schedule
- Child support, if it applies to your family
Send clear, current copies of your documents. Keep copies for your records while your application is being reviewed.
| What you need | Examples | Why it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Photo ID, birth certificate | Shows who is in your household |
| Income | Pay stubs, benefit letters | Helps determine if you qualify |
| Work or school activity | Work schedule, school enrollment | Shows why you need child care |
Your local Human Service Zone may ask for more documents. If they do, send them by the deadline listed in their request.
How to Find an Approved Provider
Before Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) benefits can help pay for child care, you must choose a provider approved by North Dakota CCAP.
Start by searching the state’s child care referral resources or contacting your local county human service office. You can also ask providers directly if they’re approved to accept CCAP payments.
When choosing a provider:
- Look for licensed child care centers, group homes, or approved in-home providers.
- Ask if they’ve openings for your child’s age.
- Ask about hours, transportation, and daily routines.
- Confirm that the provider is currently approved by CCAP.
- Ask if the provider accepts CCAP payments.
- Compare locations, safety practices, and any family fees you may need to pay.
You can choose any eligible provider that has space for your child.
Report Changes to Keep Your Benefits
Report Changes to Keep Your Benefits****
Tell your local county human service office about changes as soon as possible. This helps you keep your North Dakota CCAP benefits and makes sure your benefit amount is correct.
Report changes such as:
- Household income
- Job or work hours
- School or training participation
- People living in your household
- Address
- Child custody arrangements
- Child care provider or child care schedule
Send any requested documents by the deadline. Missing documents may affect your child care payment authorization.
Keep copies of notices, pay stubs, and messages for your records. If you aren’t sure whether you need to report a change, contact your county office.
What to Do If You’re Denied
If North Dakota denies your daycare assistance, read the denial letter carefully. It should explain why you were denied and tell you how long you have to appeal.
If you think the decision is wrong, you can ask for an appeal. Collect documents that support your case, such as pay stubs, work schedules, child care bills, or other information about your household.
Review Your Denial Notice
Read your North Dakota daycare assistance denial notice carefully. It should explain why your application was denied, when the decision takes effect, and which rules or information were used.
Compare the notice with your application and any documents you submitted. Common reasons for denial include missing documents, incorrect income information, problems with work or school hours, or limits related to your chosen childcare provider.
- Check that everyone in your household is listed correctly.
- Review the income and work or school hours shown on the notice.
- Make sure the agency received all requested documents and that they’re up to date.
- Write down any deadlines, phone numbers, and contact information.
- Keep copies of the notice and your documents in case you need to correct your case or appeal the decision.
If any information is wrong, collect records that show the correct information before contacting your local human service zone.
Request An Administrative Appeal
You can ask for an administrative appeal if you disagree with a North Dakota daycare assistance denial or think the agency used wrong information.
Follow the instructions in your denial letter. Submit your appeal to the Human Service Zone or state office listed in the notice.
Request your appeal as soon as possible because there may be a deadline. Say that you want to appeal and explain which decision you disagree with.
You can ask if your benefits may continue while the appeal is pending, if allowed by program rules. The agency must tell you how the hearing will work, when it will be scheduled, and how you can take part.
Gather Supporting Documentation
Gather Supporting Documents
Supporting documents can help show that you qualify for North Dakota daycare assistance or that the agency made a mistake.
Read your denial notice carefully. Gather records that relate to the reason your application was denied. Send copies with your appeal request, keep the originals, and pay attention to any deadlines. If the notice is unclear, ask your worker what proof is needed.
Helpful documents may include:
- Recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or work schedules
- School enrollment papers, training attendance records, or class schedules
- Child custody orders, household records, or proof of where you live
- Daycare bills, statements from your provider, or child attendance records
Organize your documents by the eligibility issue they support, such as income, work, school, household size, or child care use.
If you don’t have a needed record yet, explain why. Ask for more time to provide it if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Grandparents Receive Payment for Providing Child Care?
Yes. Grandparents may be able to get paid for caring for their grandchildren through child care assistance programs.
To qualify, you may need to:
- Apply through an approved child care program
- Pass a background check
- Complete required training
- Meet health, safety, or licensing rules
- Enroll as an approved child care provider
Rules vary by state and program.
Are There Waiting Lists for North Dakota Daycare Assistance?
If you qualify, you usually do not have to wait for daycare assistance in North Dakota. However, help depends on available funding. Apply as soon as possible, check the income rules, and contact your local office to confirm current availability.
Does Assistance Cover Child Care During Overnight Shifts?
Yes. You may be able to get help paying for child care during overnight shifts if you meet the program’s eligibility rules and use an approved child care provider.
Care from a grandparent may be covered only if the grandparent is allowed to be a provider under the program and meets all required rules.
Can Military Families Qualify for Additional Child Care Support?
Yes. Military families may qualify for extra child care assistance, especially during a deployment. Contact your base or installation family support office and your state child care assistance agency to ask about eligibility, income limits, open spots, and required paperwork.
Is Daycare Assistance Available for Children With Special Needs?
Yes. Daycare assistance may be available for children with special needs. Eligibility can depend on your income, your child’s needs, required care, and available programs. Contact your local childcare assistance agency to ask about eligibility, paperwork, and accommodations.
Conclusion
North Dakota daycare assistance may help pay for child care while you work, go to school, or take job training.
To apply, check whether your income, household size, and work or school activities meet the program rules. You may need to provide documents such as proof of income, work or school schedules, and information about your child care provider.
Choose a provider approved by the program, and report changes in your income, job, school schedule, household, or child care needs as soon as possible.
If your application is denied, read the notice carefully. You may be able to ask for an appeal or hearing.