How to Apply: Child Care Assistance Program

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Child Care Assistance program in North Dakota.

What is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps working families and families in education or training programs pay for a portion of their child care costs. This program serves families who meet certain income and activity requirements, allowing parents to focus on work, school, or job training while knowing their children are in safe, quality care. Most families pay a small co-payment based on their income, and the state pays the rest directly to your child care provider.

How do I apply for the Child Care Assistance Program?

There are 3 ways to apply for CCAP:

1. Apply Online through Self-Service Portal (SSP):Create a North Dakota login and link your case to apply online
2. Print and Submit: Download and complete the Application for Assistance and return it to your local Human Service Zone office or the Customer Support Center
3. Request by Mail: Submit a request to have an application mailed to you, then return it to the Customer Support Center

You can get help by:

• Calling the Customer Support Center:1-866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000
• Visiting your local Human Service Zone office for in-person help
• Using SSP Help resources: Videos and step-by-step instructions at SSP Help page

How long does it take to receive funds from the Child Care Assistance Program?

The processing time varies, but the state works to process applications as quickly as possible. Once approved, CCAP pays your child care provider directly each month, and you only pay your co-payment to the provider. You don't receive cash - the program pays your child care costs directly. Providers must certify enrollment each month to receive payments from CCAP.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Check if you might qualify by reviewing the income limits and requirements

Step 2: Gather all required documents (see documentation section below)

Step 3: Choose how to apply: online through SSP, print and submit, or request by mail

Step 4: Complete your application with all required information

Step 5: Submit your application with all supporting documents

Step 6: Wait for your application to be processed and reviewed

Step 7: If approved, choose an approved child care provider

Step 8: Use the Worksheet for Calculating Copay to understand your co-payment amount

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Required for All Applications:

• Completed CCAP application
• Driver's license or picture ID
• Birth certificates for all children
• Social Security Numbers for caretaker and each child (helps with identification but won't affect participation if you choose not to provide)

Income Verification (provide what applies to your family):

• Pay stubs received in the month of application up to the date submitted
• All income for the month prior to application month
• Employer statement for all new jobs or changes in income
• If self-employed: complete copy of most recent tax return including all schedules, OR income and expense ledgers if tax return not available
• Unemployment benefits statements
• Child support documentation
• Social Security payments
• Any other income sources

Work/School/Training Verification (provide what applies to your situation):

• Work schedule and employer information (only if working)
• School enrollment verification and class schedule (only if attending school)
• Job training program documentation (only if in training)
• Self-employment records (only if self-employed)

Special Circumstances (only if applicable):

• Court ordered child support or spousal support documentation
• Documentation for children with special needs
• Homelessness documentation (temporary allowable activity)
• Foster care or adoption records

Common FAQ's

1. How much will I have to pay? Most families pay a co-payment based on their income and family size using a sliding fee scale. You can use the Worksheet for Calculating Copay to estimate your amount.

2. What are the income limits? For a family of 4, the maximum monthly income is $7,694 (before taxes). Income limits vary by family size - check the income table on the CCAP website for your specific situation.

3. What ages of children can get help? Children can receive services until they turn 13 years old. Children with special needs may qualify for help up to age 19.

4. Do I qualify if I work for a child care provider? Yes! If you're employed by a licensed child care provider and work at least 25 hours per week, you may qualify for the Child Care Workforce Benefit with waived co-payments.

5. What if I need to make changes? You can report changes in hours of care or provider through the Self-Service Portal (SSP) or by contacting the Customer Support Center. Starting May 1, 2025, cases will no longer be closed for certain reasons, making it easier to restart services if your situation changes.

Who do I contact about my application status?

For Application Help and General Questions:

Customer Support CenterPhone:1-866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000

TTY:711

Email:applyforhelp@nd.gov

Fax:701-328-1006

Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck, ND 58506

For In-Person Help:

Local Human Service Zone OfficesFind your local office:Human Service Zones

For Policy Questions:

Economic Assistance Policy DivisionChild Care Assistance Program

Phone:701-328-2332

Toll-Free (ND only):800-755-2716

TTY:711

Email:dhseap@nd.gov

Address: 600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325 Bismarck, ND 58505-0250

For Child Care Workforce Benefit:

Email:applyforhelp@nd.gov (submit SFN 354 form)

For Appeals:

Legal Affairs UnitEmail:dhslau@nd.gov (submit SFN 162 Request for Hearing)

Online Resources:

CCAP Website:HHS.nd.gov/applyforhelp/ccap

Self-Service Portal:CCAP SSP

Co-pay Calculator:Worksheet for Calculating Copay

Last updated July 14, 2025