How to Apply: Employment Support Child Care Program

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Utah Employment Support Child Care Program.

What is the Utah Employment Support Child Care Program?

The Utah Employment Support Child Care Program helps families pay for all or part of child care costs while parents work, attend school, or participate in training programs. This program uses federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to help families afford quality child care. The state pays your chosen provider directly each month, and you may have a co-payment based on your household income and size. This program supports working families by making child care more affordable so parents can maintain employment or pursue education and training.

How do I apply for the Utah Employment Support Child Care Program?

There are 3 ways to apply for Employment Support Child Care:

• Apply Online at jobs.utah.gov/mycase: Create an account or log in to submit your application online (recommended method)
• Get Help at an Employment Center: Visit any Department of Workforce Services employment center for application assistance
• Call for Help: 1-866-435-7414 for assistance in multiple languages (Spanish-speaking staff available)

Important: Social Security numbers and immigration status information are NOT required for child care eligibility and can be left blank on the application.

How long does it take to receive funds from the Utah Employment Support Child Care Program?

After you submit your application, an eligibility worker will screen it and send you a verification checklist with items needed and a deadline to return them. You have 30 days to submit all required documents - if you don't submit them within 30 days, your application will be denied. If you submit documents between days 31-60, your application may still be processed, but benefits will only start from the date you submitted the last required document. After 60 days, you must reapply. If you are eligible, your child care benefits may start from the date your application was received or from the date child care started, whichever is later.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Apply online at jobs.utah.gov/mycase, visit an employment center, or call for help

Step 2: Receive a verification checklist from an eligibility worker listing required documents

Step 3: Gather and submit all required verification documents within 30 days

Step 4: Choose an approved child care provider (this may delay processing if not selected at application)

Step 5: Wait for your application to be processed and receive approval or denial notice

Step 6: If approved, your provider will be set up to receive direct payments from the state

Step 7: Start child care services and pay your co-payment directly to your provider

Step 8: Report any changes within 10 days and complete yearly reviews to keep benefits

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child Information (required for all applications):

• Birth certificates for all children needing care
• Proof that children are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, or authorized non-citizens
• Special needs documentation (if child is 13-17 years old)

Parent/Guardian Information (required for all applications):

• Proof you are the parent, foster parent, approved relative, or legal guardian
• Proof of Utah residency
• Driver's license or state ID

Income Verification (must provide for all countable income):

• Recent pay stubs showing current wages and hours worked
• Self-employment records (must be self-employed for at least 3 months)
• If self-employed, business expense records or 40% deduction documentation
• Any other income sources (unemployment, Social Security, child support, etc.)

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

• Work schedule from employer showing at least 15 hours/week at minimum wage (single parent)
• For two-parent families: one parent 15+ hours/week, second parent 30+ hours/week
• School enrollment and class schedule (if attending training/education)
• Training program documentation (must be completable within 24 months)
• High school diploma or GED program enrollment (exception to work requirements)

Child Care Provider Information (required for approval):

• Name and contact information of your chosen approved provider
• Provider start date and negotiated charges
• If choosing Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN): they must apply to become DWS-FFN approved first

Special Circumstances (only if applicable):

• Documentation for temporary job loss, maternity leave, or medical leave
• Proof of seasonal employment breaks (like teachers)

Common FAQ's

1. How much will I have to pay for child care? You will pay a co-payment based on your household income and size. The state pays the rest directly to your provider up to the maximum subsidy amount. If your provider charges more than the subsidy rate, you pay the difference plus your co-payment.

2. What are the income limits to qualify? Income limits depend on your household size. For example, a household of 3 can earn up to $6,637 per month, and a household of 6 can earn up to $10,430 per month. Higher incomes may qualify during your 12-month review period (up to 85% of state median income).

3. What ages of children can get help? Children under age 13 qualify for assistance. Children with special needs may qualify up to age 18.

4. Can I use a relative or friend as my provider? Yes, but Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN) providers must apply to become DWS-FFN approved through Child Care Licensing first. They cannot live in your home (unless your child has qualified special needs). All FFN providers must pass background checks and meet health and safety requirements.

5. What happens if I lose my job temporarily? You may be eligible for continued child care during permanent or temporary job loss, maternity leave, medical leave, or seasonal employment breaks. You must report the change immediately to maintain benefits during approved job search periods.

Who do I contact about my application status?

For Child Care Applications and Eligibility:

Utah Department of Workforce Services Salt Lake Area

Phone: 801-526-0950

Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-435-7414 Phone hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Website: jobs.utah.gov/mycase

For Mailing Documents: Imaging Operations

P.O. Box 143245 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-3245

Salt Lake Area Fax: 801-526-9500

Toll-Free Fax: 1-877-313-4717

For Finding Child Care Providers:

Care About Childcare: cac.utah.gov

Provider Search: jobs.utah.gov/cac/search

Utah Registry for Professional Development: 855-531-2468

For Family, Friend, Neighbor Provider Applications:

Child Care Licensing: childcarelicensing.utah.gov

Phone: 888-287-3704

For Provider Payment Issues:

Office of Child Care Email: occ@utah.gov

Provider Help Line: 801-526-0950

For Appeals and Fair Hearings:

File Appeal Online: Through your myCase account

Fair Hearing Phone: 1-877-837-3247

For Disability Accommodations:

Auxiliary Aids Services: 801-526-9240

Relay Utah (for deaf/hard of hearing): Dial 711

Additional Resources:

• Employment Centers: Find locations
• Kids in Care Program: For recently unemployed parents (up to 150 hours job search assistance)
• Child Care Quality System: ccqs@utah.gov
• Tutorial Videos: Available in English and Spanish for using Care About Childcare

Last updated July 14, 2025