Paying for Child Care

CCAP helps eligible families to pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in a job training program. CCAP is also available for eligible families where the adult(s) are retired and are the legal guardian of a child.

Who is eligible to receive CCAP?

• Families must meet income guidelines (PDF)
• Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must be currently employed, enrolled in school or a job training program, or retired.
• New CCAP Program Rules (PDF)
• Previous CCAP Program Rules (PDF)
  • Arabic
  • Kinyarwanda
  • Lingala
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swahili

  CCAP Eligibility Guidelines

  • Applying for TCC vs. CCAP
  • Parent Eligibility Requirements Flyer (PDF)
    • Arabic (PDF)
    • French (PDF)
    • Kinyarwanda (PDF)
    • Lingala (PDF)
    • Portuguese (PDF)
    • Spanish (PDF)
    • Swahili (PDF)

    CCAP Initiatives

    • July 1, 2024, 125% State Median Income (SMI) Increase (PDF)
    • December 4, 2023, 85% State Median Income (SMI) Increase (PDF)

    How do I apply for CCAP?

    There are 3 ways to apply.

    1. Print, complete, and return the application by mail:
       • English Application (PDF)
       • Arabic Application (PDF)
       • French Application (PDF)
       • Kinyarwanda Application (PDF)
       • Portuguese Application (PDF)
       • Spanish Application (PDF)
       • Swahili Application (PDF)
       • Lingala Application (PDF)
       • Tibetan Application (PDF)
    2. Call OCFS 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999 Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
    3. Visit your local DHHS office to receive a printed application. Find your local DHHS office or call 1-877-680-5866 or (207) 624-7999.

    Who can I choose as my child care provider?

    • Licensed child care centers
    • Licensed family child care providers
    • Adults who provide care in their own homes
    • Adults who come to your home to provide care
    • Relatives over the age of 18

    How do I find a child care provider?

    Are there out-of-pocket costs?

    CCAP requires parents to pay a portion of child care costs on a sliding scale.

    • Maine Child Care Market Rate 7/6/24 (PDF)
    • Maine Child Care Market Rate 7/3/21 (PDF)
    • CCAP Sliding Fee Scale (PDF)
    • Parent Fee Coverage (PDF)
    • Billing Weeks Schedule for CCAP (DOC)

    Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) Contacts

    Toll Free Number: 1-877-680-5866 or Augusta: 624-7999 or Fax 287-6308