RI Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Last updated August 2026
The Child Care Assistance Program, CCAP, helps low- and moderate-income Rhode Island families pay for child care so parents can work or train for work. It covers care at licensed and approved providers. Apply online through the HealthyRhode portal at healthyrhode.ri.gov or by phone through the DHS Call Center at 1-855-697-4347. Families pay a family share, or co-pay, based on income and household size.
The income door is set at application. To qualify, a family's household income must be at or below 261 percent of the Federal Poverty Level when they apply. That cutoff reaches well above many other programs, so a working family that earns too much for cash assistance may still get child care help.
There is a work or school rule. Income-eligible parents must be employed, or in an approved education, training, or college program, for at least 20 hours a week, and when working must earn at or above Rhode Island's minimum wage. The help is built to support families who are working or preparing to work.
The benefit does not drop off a cliff when your pay rises. Through Transitional Child Care, a family already on CCAP can keep the benefit even after income passes 261 percent, as long as household income does not go above 300 percent of poverty. That cushion helps a raise move you forward instead of costing you your child care.
It covers a wide age range. The child receiving care must be at least one week old and under age 13. A child with a documented physical or mental disability that prevents self-care may be eligible through age 18. Families with an absent parent must cooperate with the Office of Child Support Services on paternity and support, unless good cause is found.
Immigrant families should not count themselves out. The child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, but there is no five-year waiting period for qualified immigrant children, and the applying adult does not have to prove their own citizenship or immigration status. Families already getting RI Works cash are automatically extended CCAP eligibility.
Phone 1-855-697-4347
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Rhode Island families with low to moderate income where the parents work or take part in an approved training activity
- Children under 13, or up to 18 with special needs, who are US citizens or legal residents
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through HealthyRhode at healthyrhode.ri.gov or by phone at 1-855-697-4347.
- 2
Show that your household income is at or below 261 percent of poverty at application.
- 3
Show that a parent works or trains at least 20 hours a week.
- 4
Choose a licensed or approved child care provider.
- 5
Plan for a family share, or co-pay, based on your income and household size.
What to have ready
- Proof of household income
- Proof that a parent works or attends an approved education or training program
- The child's age and citizenship or qualified-immigrant documents. DHS confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for CCAP?
At application, household income must be at or below 261 percent of poverty. Through Transitional Child Care, a family already on CCAP can keep it until income passes 300 percent.
Do parents have to work?
Yes. Parents must work, or take part in an approved education, training, or college program, for at least 20 hours a week, and earn at least minimum wage when working.
How old can the child be?
At least one week old and under age 13, or up to age 18 if the child has a documented disability that prevents self-care.
Can immigrant families apply?
Yes. The child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, but there is no five-year waiting period for qualified immigrant children, and the applying adult does not have to prove their own status.
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