Help paying for Child Care
The cost of child care is a major concern for most families. Most families are spending over half their income for child care. The cost of child care differs greatly in New Jersey, depending on the type of care, age of the child and location. In Union County, family child care providers generally charge between $95 - $300 per week. Private Child Care Centers base their fees on the age of the child costing from $135 - $350 per week. Community based (non-profit) child care programs may offer a sliding fee scale based on income.
The Division of Family Development (DFD) contracts with the CCR&Rs, located in each county to administer the Child Care Subsidy Program. To learn more, visit www.childcarenj.gov
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING
Applicant(s)/Parents Eligibility Requirements
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Must be a New Jersey resident residing in Union County;
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Must meet income requirements and not have assets that exceed $1 million;
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Must be working full time, attending school full time (12 credits or more), or in a certified Vocational Training(at least 20 hours a week)/Can be a combination of the two.
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Depending on family size and income, may have to contribute to the cost of care (co-pay).
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To calculate your child care eligibility and co-pay amount, Click Here
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To download your child support payments, Click Here
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To request the copy of your tax transcription, Click Here
Child Eligibility Requirements
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Up to the age of 13, or less than age 19, if under the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency’s protective supervision or mentally or physically incapable of self-care;
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Must be a US Citizen or qualified non-citizen; and
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Must reside with parent(s), or legal guardian.
Provider Eligibility Requirements
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Providers must be either a licensed child care provider, a registered family child care provider, or a home or summer camp that is approved by the state;
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All providers must complete numerous health and safety trainings and required criminal background checks.
Applying for a Child Care Assistance
Child Care Assistance Programs and Downloadable Applications
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The Child Care Assistance Program helps working families and Full-Time students who meet the guidelines mandates by the state, pay for a portion of their child care cost. This assistance is provided for children between the ages of 0-13 years of age and up to 19 years of age for children with special needs. Child Care can be provided by licensed child care centers, registered family day care homes, summer day camps, school aged child care programs and care by relatives and friends.
(May have to contribute to the cost of care based on income and family size-- “Co-Pay”)
Download a Child Care Assistance Application today by clicking the button below
Upload and Submit your Initial Childcare Assistance Application on-line along with all required Documents
Processing time: 10 days to review and up to 45 days for a final determination.
Department of Education (DOE) Wraparound
Doe Wraparound is a child care assistance program for full time working families and students of preschool children ages three and four placed by the Elizabeth or Plainfield Board of Education in Public Pre-K classrooms. The Board of Education pays for six hours of education each school day. If eligible the subsidy pays for care before and after the education hours and pays Full-Time care for the summer months of July and August. (May have to contribute to the cost of care based on income and family size-- “Co-Pay”)
Visit your local Board of Education in Elizabeth or Plainfield for an application
Processing time: 10 days to review and up to 45 days for a final determination.
Community Care Voucher Centers (CCVC)
For Parents who do not meet the qualification of the NJCK Program, you may qualify for the CCVC Program.
Community Care Voucher Center is a child care assistance program that helps working families and Full-Time students who meet the guidelines mandates by the state, pay for a portion of their child care cost at designated child care centers. There are only a specific number of slots dedicated to the designated centers. This assistance is provided for children between the ages of 0-13 years of age and up to 19 years of age for children with special needs. (Must contribute to the cost of care-- “Co-Pay”)
Kinship Care (KIN)
Adults raising a relative’s child in their home may get help paying for child care. The adult must prove they are a family member & Guardian of the child/children and live with them. Approval is based on the caregiver’s age, work status, income, and family size.
(May have to contribute to the cost of care based on income and family size-- “Co-Pay”)
Download a Kinship application today by clicking the button below
Upload and Submit your Initial Childcare Subsidy Application on-line along with all required Documents to:
Processing time: 10 days to review and up to 45 days for a final determination.
McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act
McKinney-Vento Homeless assistance Act is a child care assistance program that assists families who lack a fixed regular and adequate nighttime residence. Applicants who self-identify as being homeless or are referred to by a service provider maybe eligible to receive a grace period for up to 6 months to establish eligibility while their child care services are being subsidized.
(May have to contribute to the cost of care based on income and family size-- “Co-Pay”)
Download a McKinney-Vento application today by clicking the button below
Upload and Submit your Initial Childcare Subsidy Application on-line along with all required Documents to:
Processing time: 7 days to review and up to 30 days for a final determination.
For Initial "New" Applicants who have received the status of their application and want to request a Web Meeting with a specialist to go over the outcome. Please complete this form.