South Dakota Child Care Assistance
Last updated August 2026
South Dakota's Child Care Assistance program, or CCA, helps low-income families pay for child care. It is for families who meet the income guidelines and a minimum work or school requirement. You may owe a small co-payment based on your income and family size. Apply online at the DSS Benefits Portal, eaportal.sd.gov, or through your local Department of Social Services office. Call 1-800-227-3020 for help.
Income eligibility is based on 209 percent of the federal poverty level, effective March 1, 2026. In monthly terms, the limit is about $4,758 for a family of three and about $5,748 for a family of four. If your income is near these numbers, apply and let the program check your case.
To qualify, a parent must be working, attending school, or doing both. The program then pays child care providers who meet certain criteria to help cover the family's cost of care. That keeps you working while your child is cared for.
You may owe a co-payment. Depending on your income and family size, you may be asked to pay part of the cost yourself. The amount is set by your income and how many people are in your family.
Not all money counts against you. Countable income includes wages, self-employment income, and some unearned income like TANF, pensions, VA benefits, alimony, and child support. But SSI, VA disability, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and IRS tax refunds are not counted.
The program uses federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds. You send in your proof, and the program decides if you qualify. While you sort out care, dial 2-1-1 to reach the Helpline Center for other local family resources.
Phone 1-800-227-3020
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families that meet the income limits for their household size and have a parent working, attending school, or doing both
- A co-payment based on income and family size may apply; the program uses federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at eaportal.sd.gov or through your local Department of Social Services office.
- 2
Check the income line, 209 percent of poverty, about $4,758 a month for a family of three and $5,748 for four.
- 3
Show that a parent is working, attending school, or doing both.
- 4
Ask how your co-payment is set, since it depends on your income and family size.
- 5
Call 1-800-227-3020 if you need help with the application.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of your work or school schedule
- Proof of your countable income. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for Child Care Assistance?
It is 209 percent of poverty, effective March 1, 2026. That is about $4,758 a month for a family of three and about $5,748 for a family of four.
Who can get help?
Low-income families who meet the income guidelines and have a parent working, attending school, or doing both.
Will I have to pay anything?
You may owe a small co-payment. The amount is based on your income and family size.
What income is not counted?
SSI, VA disability, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and IRS tax refunds are not counted. Wages and some unearned income like child support do count.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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