Kansas Child Care Assistance
Last updated August 2026
Kansas Child Care Assistance pays part of the cost of child care. It helps parents work, look for work, or attend school or training. The benefit loads onto the Kansas Benefits Card and pays DCF enrolled providers. Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov, or call Benefits Assistance at 1-888-369-4777.
The child must be young enough. Child care is generally covered for children under age 13. Certain exceptions apply. The family and the child must live in Kansas.
There is an income test by family size. For example, the monthly income limit is about $5,439 for a family of two and about $7,998 for a family of four. Your local DCF office runs your exact number for your family size.
There is also a resource limit. A family must not have more than $10,000 in countable resources. The child must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying noncitizen.
Several groups can qualify. This includes families getting TANF cash who take part in work programs, low income working families, teen parents finishing high school or a GED, and families in qualifying education or training. The parent generally must be working, in job search, or in school or training.
Plan for the timing and the copay. Processing may take up to 30 days, so apply early. If approved, you get a family plan. The plan sets a family share copay that you pay toward the care. You may qualify, but the program decides your plan.
Phone 1-888-369-4777
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families and the child must live in Kansas, the child must be under age 13, and the household must meet the income limits by family size
- The parent generally must be working, in job search, or in school or training; the child must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying noncitizen
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov, or call Benefits Assistance at 1-888-369-4777.
- 2
Make sure your child is under age 13 and lives in Kansas.
- 3
Have proof of income ready; the resource limit is $10,000.
- 4
Show that you are working, in job search, or in school or training.
- 5
Apply early, since processing may take up to 30 days.
What to have ready
- ID and proof of Kansas residency for the family
- Proof of income and countable resources
- Proof that you work, job search, or attend school or training. Your DCF office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How old can my child be?
Child care is generally covered for children under age 13. Certain exceptions apply.
What is the income limit?
It goes by family size. For example, the monthly limit is about $5,439 for a family of two and about $7,998 for a family of four. Your DCF office runs your exact number.
Is there a resource limit?
Yes. A family must not have more than $10,000 in countable resources.
How long does it take?
Processing may take up to 30 days, so apply early. If approved, you get a family plan with a family share copay you pay toward the care.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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