Paying for Child Care

Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP)

What is CCAP?

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 current income guidelines: Effective 10/19/2024 (PDF)
• Income guidelines effective 7/01/2024 through 10/18/2024 (PDF)
• Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must be currently employed, enrolled in school or a job training program, or retired.
• CCAP Rules Effective 9/25/2024 (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)
• July 1, 2024, 125% State Median Income (SMI) Increase (PDF)
• December 4, 2023, 85% State Median Income (SMI) Increase (PDF)
• October 19, 2024, 125% 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?

• Find child care providers

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 (PDF)

Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) Contacts

For general assistance or to submit an application contact:CCAP.DHHS@Maine.gov

Toll Free Number: 1-877-680-5866 or Augusta: 207-624-7999 or Fax 287-6308

To submit changes or updates contact the county in which you reside:

Integrity and Recovery		integrityandrecovery@maine.gov
Provider support and community outreach	Ashley Batchelder	ashley.batchelder@maine.gov
CCAP Manager	Kerri Wyman	kerri.wyman@maine.gov
CCAP Manager	Diane Perry	diane.perry@maine.gov
Child Care Services Manager	Gina Forbes	gina.forbes@maine.gov
Associate Director of Early Care and Education	Tara Williams	tara.williams@maine.gov