Mississippi Child Care Assistance — Child Care Payment ProgramMississippi

Check if you qualify in Mississippi

Enter your household size and monthly income to see if you qualify for child care subsidy in Mississippi. Results are instant, nothing is stored.

For a household of 3, the limit to apply in Mississippi is $5,100 a month (85% of state median income) and the limit to stay enrolled is $5,100 (85% of state median income).

This is an estimate based on gross monthly income and household size. It does not include copayments, waitlists, or other rules, and your state agency makes the final decision.

Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)

Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) is a federally funded program designed to provide parents with assistance with child care tuition. Parents may choose any type of child care while participating in this program.

Parents who meet the income and work requirements may need to pay a monthly co-payment toward the cost of child care.

However, some families are exempt from co-payments, including:

Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Homeless families with no countable income
Families with income at or below the federal poverty level

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

Families with gross income less than or equal to 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) are eligible to apply for subsidy. For example, income eligibility limit for a family of three is at or below $5,100 a month.

Child care subsidy income limits by household size, Mississippians
Household Size	85% SMIInitial Eligibility	85% SMIRedetermination
2	$4,128	$4,128
3	$5,100	$5,100
4	$6,071	$6,071
5	$7,042	$7,042
6	$8,014	$8,014
7	$8,196	$8,196
8	$8,378	$8,378

The income limits are presented as dollar amounts derived from a percentage of either the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or the State Median Income (SMI) for 2026.

Higher priority is given to families with special needs, deployed military parents, and those participating in public assistance programs such as TANF.

Will I have to pay a copay for child care assistance in Mississippi?

Mississippi sets a sliding-scale copay based on family size and income. You may also pay any gap between your provider’s full rate and the rate CCPP reimburses.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Mississippi?

The general application is closed, but a waitlist system is in place. Families must have joined the waitlist to receive an application invitation via email.

Beginning January 2014, paper application will no longer be accepted. Families interested in applying for the Child Care Payment Program must complete the online application to be added to the waitlist.

When funding becomes available, you will be contacted in waitlist order to complete any remaining eligibility steps. If approved, you will be issued a “child care certificate” to give to your chosen child care provider.

Mississippi Department of Human Services
Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)
(800) 421-0762