Who Qualifies?
- Families with income less than 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) in which the parent/caretaker relative is working or attending a RI public college/university or attending a short-term training program. The parent must be working or attending school/training for at least 20 hours/week. Once the family is receiving services, they continue to be eligible until income exceeds 300% FPL. See below for these ‘entry’ and ‘exit’ income limits.
- Effective January 1, 2025, families with income less than 261% of FPL are eligible for CCAP.
- Short-term special-approval child care necessitated by the disability of the parent or child. Also, child care can be provided to a pregnant or parenting teen who needs child care to continue her education.
- The child must be a citizen or eligible immigrant. Eligible immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card), refugees, persons granted asylum and other immigrants lawfully residing in the U.S.
- A pilot program, launched on August 1, 2023, makes childcare free for childcare workers by eliminating copayments for staff who work at least 20 hours/week and have family incomes up to 300% FPL ($77,460 for a household of 3). The program is accepting applications through July 31, 2025.
Income and Resource Limits
The resource limit is $1,000,000 in liquid resources (money in the bank, money market accounts, etc.). Income must be within the limits below.
Other Program Rules
- As a condition of eligibility, the parent must cooperate with the Office of Child Support Services to establish a child support order against the non-custodial parent of the child receiving the subsidy.
- Families pay a co-payment of between 2 and 7% of gross income. Only one co-payment is required, regardless of the number of children receiving CCAP assistance.
Eligible Providers
Parent can choose any of the following type of participating provider:
• Licensed day care center
• Certified family home day care
• Approved relative, friend or neighbor
For assistance finding a provider, call BrightStars at 1-855-398-7605. Services available in English and Spanish. You may also search online at Exceed.ri.gov.
How to Apply
Apply online or fill out a paper application. For application information click here. You can also call 1 (855) 697-4347 to request an application or go to a local DHS office. No interview is required but documentation of certain information must be provided. Applicants must be notified of a decision in writing within 30 days from the date the application and required documentation is received by DHS. Families are re-certified for CCAP once a year.
Applicants who are denied CCAP and recipients who are notified that the subsidy will be reduced or terminated can request a hearing in writing within 30 days of the date on the notice. RI Legal Services (1-800-662-5034) may be able to provide assistance to families denied or terminated from CCAP.
Income Guidelines, Child Care (Jan 2024)
Family Size | Entry Income Limit (Yearly) | Exit Income Limit (Yearly) | Entry Income Limit (Monthly) | Exit Income Limit (Monthly) |
2 | $40,880 | $61,320 | $3,406.67 | $5,110 |
3 | $51,640 | $77,460 | $4,303.33 | $6,455 |
4 | $62,400 | $93,600 | $5,200.00 | $7,800 |
5 | $73,160 | $109,740 | $6,096.67 | $9,145 |
6 | $83,920 | $125,880 | $6,993.33 | $10,490 |
Child Care Co-payment Amount (Jan 2024)
Income Level | % of Gross Income Required as Co-Pay | Family Size | Family Size | Family Size | Family Size | Family Size |
<100% FPL | 0% | $20,440 $0 | $25,820 $0 | $31,200 $0 | $36,580 $0 | $41,960 $0 |
100 – 125% FPL | 2% | $25,550 $8-10 | $32,275 $10-13 | $39,000 $12-15 | $45,725 $14-18 | $52,450 $16-20 |
>125 – 150% FPL | 5% | $30,660 $25-30 | $38,730 $31-38 | $46,800 $38-45 | $54,870 $44-53 | $62,940 $51-61 |
>150 - 200% FPL | 7% | $40,880 $42-55 | $51,640 $53-70 | $62,400 $63-85 | $73,160 $74-99 | $83,920 $85-114 |
>200 – 300% FPL | 7% | $61,320 $55-83 | $77,460 $70-105 | $93,600 $85-127 | $109,740 $99-149 | $125,880 $114-170 |