Help Paying for Child Care
Financial help may be provided for low- and moderate-income working parents, parents attending school; families receiving assistance under the state welfare program, Work First NJ, may be entitled to free child care. In addition, adults who are raising relatives’ children in their own homes, can often qualify for child care subsidies from the state of New Jersey.
Work First New Jersey
(WFNJ)
Community Child Care Solutions assists parents who are moving from welfare to work by providing child care subsidies to participants of Work First New Jersey. Community Child Care Solutions refers to, but does not endorse child care providers. We encourage you to visit and interview all child care providers before choosing one.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Applying for a
Child Care Subsidy
As an applicant / parent seeking a child care subsidy, you will be required to provide proof of income, school/training hours and household size to help determine eligibility.
All required documents must be submitted to be considered for a subsidy.
Please fill out the applicable form below.
CCAP Application - Middlesex - English
CCAP Application - Middlesex - Spanish
CCAP Application - Somerset - English
CCAP Application - Somerset - Spanish
Parent/Applicant Eligibility
• Must be a County resident
• Work part time AND go to school/training part time
• Must be working full-time (30 hours weekly or more), attending school full-time (12 credits or more), or in job training (20 hours weekly or more)
• Must meet income eligibility guidelines
Child/Children Eligibility
• Children up to age 13, or less than age of 19 incapable of self care
• The child or children must be legally present in the US and have a valid Social Security number
• A child under the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency's protective supervision is also eligible
Child Care Provider Eligibility
• Providers must either be a licensed child care center or a registered family child care home
• A home or summer camp that is approved by the state is also eligible
• All providers must complete health and safety trainings and criminal history background checks
Income Guideline
Maximum Allowable Annual Family Gross Income
(Represents 200% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Index)
Family Size
2
3
4
5
6
Annual Income
$40,880
$51,640
$62,400
$73,160
$83,920
Click here for NJ Calculator to determine eligibility
Work First New Jersey
Community Child Care Solutions assists parents who are moving from welfare to work by providing child care subsidies to participants of Work First New Jersey. Community Child Care Solutions refers to, but does not endorse child care providers. We encourage you to visit and interview all child care providers before choosing one.
Eligibility
Eligibility is established by the County Board of Social Services or the Department of Labor. Activities are assigned by either a Career Development Counselor or Income Maintenance Worker. An activity referral is then sent to Community Child Care Solutions; upon receipt we will contact you through mail and or phone to find out what are your child care needs. Once a participant’s case is closed upon gaining employment, they will be eligible to receive subsidized child care for up to two years.
Kinship Navigator Program
Kinship caregivers, adults who are raising relatives’ children in their own homes, can often qualify for child care subsidies from the state of New Jersey.
To qualify for child care subsidies, kinship caregivers must prove they are relatives or legal guardians of the children and that the children live with them. Those under age 60 who are not working or preparing for work must prove they are disabled. Financial eligibility depends on the kinship caregiver’s age and the size and income of the family unit. Caregivers must present proof of age and income.
Click here for more information on the Kinship Navigator Program.
To learn more about child care resources:
in Middlesex County call 732-324-4357
in Somerset County call 908-927-0869
Outside of the county you may contact the Kinship Navigator at 1-877-816-3211
or the state child care help line at 1-800-332-9227.
