HomeChild CareKansasChild Care Assistance Program
How to Apply: Child Care Assistance Program
Kansas · 6 StepsKansas families who work, go to school, are teen parents, or get TANF, with kids under 13 (up to 18 with special needs or in foster care)
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 6: See if you qualify
Who this program helps
- You work, train, or go to school
- Child under 13 (18 if special needs)
- Teen parents and TANF families too
Good to know: Families in foster care or without stable housing can get help sooner and extra time to turn in papers.Step 2 of 6: Get your papers ready
Gather these first
- Adult IDs and kids' birth certificates
- Pay stubs or tax forms
- Work or school schedule
Step 3 of 6: Apply your way
Online, in person, or by phone
- Apply online (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Call 1-888-369-4777
- Visit a local DCF office
Step 4 of 6: Pick a DCF-enrolled provider
Centers, homes, or relatives
- Find enrolled providers (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Or call 1-877-678-2548
Don't miss: Your provider must be enrolled with DCF, or they can't be paid.Step 5 of 6: Get your benefits card
Money comes monthly
- Money loads on your EBT card monthly
- Pay your provider with the card
- You may owe a small co-pay
Good to know: Your co-pay slides with your income and family size — your plan shows the amount.Step 6 of 6: Keep your benefits going
Small tasks, big help
- Report changes within 10 days
- Renew every year
Important: Report income, address, or provider changes within 10 days.Good to know: You did it! Your family now has steady help with child care.
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Child Care Assistance Program in Kansas.
What is the Kansas Child Care Assistance Program?
This program helps Kansas families pay for licensed child care. It supports parents who work, go to school/training, are teen parents, or are on TANF. The program covers children under 13—or older if they can't care for themselves. Families pay a small fee based on income.
How do I apply for Child Care Assistance?
You can apply in any of these ways:
Online or in person at your local Kansas DCF office ➝ Apply for Benefits
Pick up and mail/fax a paper form available in DCF offices
By phone: Call DCF at 1‑888‑369‑4777 or 888‑369‑4777 (TTY)
How long does it take to receive help?
Once you apply, your caseworker checks your application.
You select a DCF-enrolled provider (licensed or relative).
If approved, funds are loaded onto your Kansas Benefits EBT card at the start of each month. Kansas issues child care funds monthly via EBT once approval is complete.
What do the application steps look like?
Apply online, in person, or by phone.
Provide documents (see next section).
Choose a provider—licensed center, group or family home, or qualified relative.
Get approved—you’ll get notice and funds start on EBT card.
Use care & pay share—you use the EBT card to pay provider; you may also pay a co‑pay.
Report changes—keep income, address, provider info updated.
Renew yearly to keep benefits.
What documentation is required?
Identity & Residency (only one is required)
IDs for adults in household
Children’s birth certificates or documentation
Income (only one is required)
Pay stubs, tax forms, or other income proof
Include wages and child support; some programs count SSI or student aid differently
Need for Care
Work, school, or training schedule
For foster/teen parents: additional documentation may be needed
Provider Information
Provider must be DCF-enrolled—licensed or eligible relative—paid via EBT.
Common FAQs
1. How much do I pay?Families pay a sliding-scale co‑pay based on income and family size. Fees vary and are shown in your plan.
2. What children qualify?Children under 13, or up to age 18 with special needs or foster care cases.
3. Who can be a provider?Any DCF-enrolled licensed center, family child care home, or approved relative (grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc.).
4. What if income changes?Report any change in income, job, or household within 10 days—benefits may be adjusted.
5. Can foster or homeless families get help faster?Yes—foster, homeless, or teen-parent families may receive help sooner and have more time to submit documents.
Who do I contact about my application?
Kansas Department for Children & Families (DCF)
Phone: 1‑888‑369‑4777 (Benefits assistance)
TTY: 1‑888‑369‑4777
Local offices: Visit your local DCF office to apply or ask questions.
Find care: Use Child Care Aware of Kansas or call 1‑877‑678‑2548 to locate DCF-enrolled providers.
Last updated July 9, 2025