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Finding quality child care can be expensive, but the Maryland Care Scholarship Program is designed to make it more accessible for eligible families. Applying for a Care Scholarship is now streamlined and simpler than ever, offering a faster route to financial assistance.
The Care Scholarship Program, formerly known as the Child Care Subsidy, provides financial support to families in Maryland to help cover the costs of high-quality child care and early education. This program is managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), ensuring a centralized and efficient process.
For families needing immediate assistance, the Fast Track Care Scholarship application process can significantly reduce the waiting time. Eligible families can receive a decision within just three business days and gain access to 60 days of child care assistance while their full Care Scholarship application is being processed.
Who Can Benefit from a Care Scholarship?
Care Scholarships are available for children who are:
- Under the age of 13, or
- Between 13 and 19 years old with a qualifying disability.
Eligibility Requirements for the Care Scholarship Program
To be considered eligible for the Care Scholarship Program, families must meet specific criteria:
- Residency and Activity: Applicants must be Maryland residents who are either employed, participating in an approved training program, or attending school. In households with two parents, both must fulfill these eligibility requirements.
- Income or Assistance: Families must be recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or meet the Care Scholarship income guidelines detailed below.
- Immunization Compliance: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have documented exemptions.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status is required for each child needing care. (A birth certificate or relevant documentation will serve as proof). Importantly, parents are not required to be US citizens.
- Identity Verification: Proof of identity is needed for all household members. For parents, any government-issued ID is acceptable. For children, a birth certificate or immigration documentation can be used.
- Photo ID: The head of household is required to provide a Photo ID.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
Applying for Your Care Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a Care Scholarship is done through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Follow these steps to begin your application:
Step 1: Register on the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal
Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal at family.childcareportals.org. Click on “Register for a New Account” and complete the registration process with your information. For registration assistance, view these instructions.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Fast Track Application
Fill out the online Fast Track Scholarship application and submit it along with two essential documents:
- Proof of employment or enrollment in a training program/school.
- Proof of Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
Step 3: Application Processing
CCS Central 2 will process your Fast Track application within three business days.
Step 4: Receive Temporary Assistance and Apply for a Full Scholarship
If deemed eligible, you will receive a temporary 60-day Care Scholarship to help with child care costs while your full application is reviewed. To determine eligibility for a 52-week Scholarship, you will be asked to provide further information and documentation. Submitting this within 15 days of your Fast Track application allows for a decision on your 52-week Scholarship before the temporary one expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for the Care Scholarship Program
These income guidelines determine eligibility for the Care Scholarship Program:
Maximum Annual Income
| Child Care Scholarship Program |
|—|
| Family Size | Initial Income Scale* Maximum Annual Income Effective 12.15.2024 | Continuation Income Scale** Maximum Annual Income Effective 4.22.2024 |
| | Table used for new applications | Table used for Changes/Redeterminations |
| Family of 2 | $76,117 | $86,266 |
| Family of 3 | $94,026 | $106,563 |
| Family of 4 | $111,936 | $126,861 |
| Family of 5 | $129,846 | $147,159 |
| Family of 6 | $147,756 | $167,457 |
| Family of 7 | $151,114 | $171,262 |
| Family of 8 | $154,472 | $175,068 |
| Family of 9 | $157,830 | $178,874 |
| Family of 10 | $161,188 | $182,680 |
| Family of 11 | $164,546 | $186,486 |
| Family of 12 | $167,904 | $190,292 |
* Initial Income Scale – This scale applies to families who are new applicants, those applying for the 60-Day Fast-Track Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application”. To qualify under the initial application, family income must be below the Initial Income Scale.
**Continuation Income Scale – This scale is for families already receiving child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months and have an active, unexpired Care Scholarship when applying for continued services. For continuation, family income must be below the Continuation Income Scale.
Understanding How to Use Your Scholarship
To apply for a full 52-week Care Scholarship after Fast Track approval, you must submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Income verification (most recent four weeks of pay stubs)
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID, etc.)
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training verification)
- Proof of all other income sources
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, etc.)
For ongoing services and to report any changes, the following Scholarship Forms may be required:
Need Assistance? Contact CCS Central 2
CCS Central 2 is responsible for processing Care Scholarship applications and payments to providers. Here’s how to get in touch:
Care Scholarship Customer Support & Open Office Hours
View the Open Office Hours Calendar
| September 24, 2024 | May 20, 2025 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2024 | June 10, 2025 | ||||||
| November 19, 2024 | July 15, 2025 | ||||||
| December 17, 2024 | August 19, 2025 | ||||||
| January 14, 2025 | September 16, 2025 | ||||||
| February 18, 2025 | October 21, 2025 | ||||||
| March 18, 2025 | November 18, 2025 | ||||||
| April 25, 2025 | December 16, 2025 |
Understanding Attendance Audits and Avoiding Paybacks
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