Child care is one of the biggest expenses a Minnesota family can face, and for many parents it stands between them and a steady paycheck. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is Minnesota’s answer to that problem: a state-funded subsidy that helps eligible working and in-school parents pay for licensed or certified child care so they can hold a job, finish a degree, or complete job training. If you’re trying to keep your family afloat while caring for young children, CCAP can make the difference between staying employed and having to choose between work and childcare.
What Is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?
CCAP is administered by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) through county and tribal human services agencies. It pays part or all of the cost of child care for eligible families, with most households contributing a small copay based on income and family size. The program covers care provided by licensed child care centers, licensed family child care providers, and certain legally non-licensed caregivers.
Who Qualifies for CCAP?
Eligibility depends on your child’s age, your family’s activities, and your household income. According to DCYF and the Minnesota House Research Department, you may qualify if:
- Your child is 12 or younger, or 13-14 with a documented disability.
- Your child meets citizenship or qualified immigration status requirements.
- All parents in the household are working, attending school, searching for a job, or participating in an approved employment plan.
- Your household income falls within the state’s limits — as a benchmark, a family of four earning below roughly $67,679 a year (47% of state median income) is generally within range, though limits are updated annually.
- Your family’s assets are at or below $1 million.
- You cooperate with child support enforcement, when applicable.
Families experiencing homelessness get extra flexibility: you have up to three months after applying to submit full documentation and start a qualifying activity like work or school.
How to Apply for CCAP
Applying is free, and you do not need a lawyer or an agency to help you file — though local nonprofits and county workers can walk you through it. Here’s how the process works:
- Apply online through MNbenefits.mn.gov, or request a paper application from your county human services office.
- Gather documents that show your identity, income, work or school schedule, and your child’s age and citizenship status.
- Submit your application and documents to your county or tribal human services agency. In Hennepin County, call 612-348-5937 before applying — a caseworker will review your income and tell you which programs you qualify for. Statewide CCAP questions can also go to DCYF at 651-431-3809 (or 651-539-7700 for non-English speakers).
- A caseworker will review your application and determine your eligibility and copay amount.
- Once approved, you choose a licensed or certified provider and CCAP pays that provider directly, minus your copay.
Processing times vary by county, so apply as early as possible and keep copies of everything you submit. If your circumstances change — a new job, a change in income, or a new address — report it to your caseworker right away to avoid a gap in coverage.
What About Copays?
Most families who qualify for CCAP still pay a portion of their child care costs, called a copay. The amount is based on your income and family size and is set well below market-rate child care costs. Your caseworker will tell you your exact copay once your application is processed, and you can find the current copay schedule through your county human services office or DCYF.
Need More Help?
Child care assistance often works best alongside other support. If you’re also navigating job loss, an unstable living situation, or a tight budget, Hues Hope can help you find additional resources, including employment support, financial assistance programs, and housing resources across the Minneapolis area.
The Bottom Line
Reliable, affordable child care lets parents work, study, and build stability for their families — and CCAP exists to make that possible for Minnesota households who need it most. If you think you might qualify, don’t wait to apply: reach out to your county human services office or start your application at MNbenefits.mn.gov today. A little paperwork now can mean a lot more breathing room for your family in the months ahead.