North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Last updated August 2026
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps income-eligible North Dakota families pay part of the cost of child care. It helps while parents work, or attend school or training. Looking for work, and situations of homelessness, can count as an allowable activity too. Apply online through the Self Service Portal, or call the Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005.
The income limit changes by family size. The most you can earn and still qualify (effective Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026) is $5,521 a month for a family of 2, $6,820 for 3, $8,119 for 4, $9,418 for 5, and $11,204 for 8. A family's assets cannot be more than $1,000,000.
There is a waitlist to plan around. Because so many families are joining, starting Dec. 1, 2025, new applicants may be placed on a waitlist before help begins. Priority goes to families who are homeless and families with income from 0 to 30 percent of the state median income. Families getting TANF or in the Crossroads program are not placed on the waitlist.
Two changes take effect April 1, 2026. A child must attend child care at least 40 hours in the service month for a payment. And payments are available through the month a child turns 12. A child with special needs may qualify up to age 19.
Know your share of the cost. Most families pay a co-payment set on a sliding scale based on income and household size. Families with income under 30 percent of the state median income, and CCAP Workforce Benefit families, have their copay waived. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the state maximum rates paid to providers went down, and families owe any cost above the maximum rate.
Do not believe the myth that CCAP is only for parents with a paid job. It also covers job search, school, and training, and homelessness for a time. Apply online through the Self Service Portal, which also covers SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and TANF, so you can add other help in one place.
Phone 1-866-614-6005
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- North Dakota families with children who need child care so a parent can work, search for work, or attend school or training, and who meet the income guidelines
- The HHS Customer Support Center confirms the current income limits and approved-provider rules for your household
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the Self Service Portal, or call 1-866-614-6005.
- 2
Show that a parent works, or attends school or training.
- 3
Have proof of income ready to check against the CCAP limits.
- 4
Ask about the waitlist that started Dec. 1, 2025, and any priority you may have.
- 5
Plan for the 40-hour monthly attendance rule that starts April 1, 2026.
What to have ready
- Proof of income for the household
- Proof that a parent works, or attends school or training
- Your child's information and provider details. The Customer Support Center confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for CCAP?
The most you can earn (Oct. 2025 to Sept. 2026) is $8,119 a month for a family of 4 and $5,521 for a family of 2. Assets cannot be more than $1,000,000.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. Starting Dec. 1, 2025, new applicants may be placed on a waitlist. Priority goes to homeless families and those at 0 to 30 percent of state median income.
What changes on April 1, 2026?
A child must attend at least 40 hours of care in the service month for a payment, and payments run through the month a child turns 12.
How do I apply?
Online through the Self Service Portal, or call the Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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