Mississippi Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)
Last updated August 2026
The Child Care Payment Program, CCPP, helps eligible Mississippi families pay for child care at licensed providers while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. Apply online through the MDHS Early Childhood Care and Development division, and for help call 800-877-7882.
There is an activity requirement. Most applicants who are not referred by another agency must be working at least 25 hours a week, enrolled full-time in school, in an approved job-training program, or a combination of those.
Who gets served, and up to what income, depends on a priority group. Referred families, Priority Group 1, include those referred through TANF, transitional child care, protective or foster care services, and homeless agencies, and the referring agency determines eligibility. At-risk families, Priority Group 2, including children with special needs and deployed military parents, are served up to 85 percent of state median income.
Working families fall into the lower priority groups by income. Very-low-income teen parents and working families, Priority Group 3, qualify at or below 50 percent of state median income, and low-income families between 50 and 85 percent, Priority Group 4, are served based on funding availability.
Families share the cost through a copay, so it is help paying for care, not fully free care. The amount depends on your income and family size.
Child care is often the difference between working and not, so if you are employed or in school and struggling with the cost, this program is worth checking. Pair it with 2-1-1 for other family supports.
Phone 1-800-877-7882
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Parents who are working, or in school or job training, who meet the income and activity rules; a monthly co-payment based on family size and income applies
- MDHS is currently taking applications through the CCPP waitlist, so join the waitlist to receive an application link and code
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the MDHS Early Childhood Care and Development division, or call 800-877-7882.
- 2
Confirm you meet the activity rule: 25 hours a week of work, full-time school, or approved training.
- 3
Have proof of income and your work or school schedule ready.
- 4
Choose a licensed provider and review your copay.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the household
- Proof of your work, school, or training activity (25 hours a week)
- Proof of household income and your child's information. MDHS confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for child care assistance in Mississippi?
Families where a parent works at least 25 hours a week, is in school or approved training, within the income limits for their priority group (up to 85 percent of state median income for some groups).
What is the activity requirement?
Most non-referred applicants must work at least 25 hours a week, be enrolled full-time in school, be in approved job training, or a combination.
Do I have to pay anything?
Yes, families share the cost through a copay based on income and family size. It is help paying for care, not fully free.
How do I apply?
Online through the MDHS Early Childhood Care and Development division, or call 800-877-7882.
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