Arizona Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Due to increased demand and limited funding, DES now has a waiting list  for most families applying to the program.

Arizona Child Care Assistance Program is available to eligible families with children under the age of 12 that might not otherwise be able to afford the costs of child care.

Child care assistance is also available for children experiencing homelessness and children referred by the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) or a Tribal child welfare program.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in AZ?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is at or below 165% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

How much is the daily co-pay for child care assistance in Arizona?

Arizona sets each family’s fee level based on household size and income as a percentage of the federal poverty level. The fee level determines the daily co-pay for each child in care for more than 15 minutes that day. For example, a family at fee level 1 pays $0.50 per child per day.¹

To qualify initially, your income must be at Fee Level 6 or below (up to 165% of the poverty level). After 12 months, you may remain eligible with income up to Fee Level 7 (85% of State Median Income).

Some families do not have a co-pay. This includes families receiving child care through the Department of Child Safety, the Jobs Program, or Cash Assistance. Families receiving Transitional Child Care may owe a co-pay for up to three children.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Arizona?

To apply for assistance, you may contact your local DES Child Care office  to schedule an appointment and fill out an application. Referrals are also available online.

Due to limited funding, a statewide waiting list may be implemented to prioritize eligible families waiting to receive child care assistance.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
Child Care Assistance Program
(602) 542-4248