.png)
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship to support your family’s needs has never been more straightforward!
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS), previously known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to assist eligible Maryland families in affording high-quality child care and early education. This vital program is expertly managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.
For families needing immediate assistance, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers a significantly reduced waiting period. Eligible applicants can receive help with child care expenses within just three (3) business days and gain 60 days of child care support while their full Child Care Scholarship application is being thoroughly processed.
Scholarships are available for children under 13 years of age, and for individuals aged 13-19 who have a qualifying disability, making quality child care accessible for a wider range of families.
Eligibility Requirements for the Child Care Scholarship Program
To qualify for the CCS Program, families must meet specific criteria to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of Maryland and must be either working, participating in an approved job training program, or attending school. In two-parent households, both parents must satisfy these eligibility criteria.
- Financial Need: Families must be recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or fall within the defined CCS income guidelines. These guidelines are designed to support families with demonstrated financial need.
- Immunization Compliance: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have proper documentation for exemption from immunization. This requirement ensures the health and safety of all children in care.
- Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status: Proof is required that each child needing care is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. A birth certificate or documentation certifying the child’s status is necessary. It is important to note that parents are not required to be U.S. citizens to apply for the scholarship.
- Proof of Identity: Applicants must provide proof of identity for all household members. For parents, this can be any government-issued document. For children, a birth certificate or immigration status documentation can serve as proof of identity.
- Photo Identification: The head of household is required to provide a Photo I.D. for verification purposes.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Child Care Scholarship
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is now a fully digital process through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Follow these steps to submit your application:
Step 1: Account Registration on the Family Portal
Begin by visiting the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and creating a user account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your required information. For detailed guidance on registration, you can refer to the Learn How to Register instructions.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Fast-Track Application
After registration, fill out the concise, fast-track online Scholarship application. As part of this initial application, you will need to submit two essential documents:
- Verification of current employment or enrollment in a training program or school.
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Step 3: Application Processing
CCS Central 2 will process your fast-track application within three (3) business days. This quick turnaround ensures that eligible families can receive prompt assistance.
Step 4: Temporary Scholarship Issuance and Full Application
If your fast track application is approved, a temporary, 60-day Scholarship will be issued. This temporary support is designed to immediately help with child care costs while your comprehensive 52-week Scholarship application is being reviewed. To determine eligibility for the full 52-week scholarship, you will be asked to provide further information and documentation. Submitting this additional information within 15 days of your fast track application can expedite the process and allow for determination of your 52-week Scholarship eligibility before the temporary one expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Income Eligibility for Child Care Scholarship Assistance
Understanding the income guidelines is crucial to determine if your family may qualify for a Child Care Scholarship. The following tables outline the maximum annual income limits based on family size for both initial and continuing scholarship applicants.
Maximum Annual Income Limits
| Child Care Scholarship Program |
|---|
| Family Size |
| Family of 2 |
| Family of 3 |
| Family of 4 |
| Family of 5 |
| Family of 6 |
| Family of 7 |
| Family of 8 |
| Family of 9 |
| Family of 10 |
| Family of 11 |
| Family of 12 |
* Initial Income Scale: This scale applies to families who are new applicants, those submitting a Fast-Track initial application for the 60-Day Scholarship, and families undergoing an “initial” full evaluation for scholarship services beyond the 60-day fast-track period. To be eligible under the initial income scale, family income must be below the listed limits.
** Continuation Income Scale: This scale is for families who have already received at least 52 weeks to 24 months of child care services and have an active scholarship that has not expired when applying for continued services. To be eligible under the continuation income scale, family income must be below the listed limits.
To apply for a full, 52-week Scholarship, ensure you submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of your fast-track application approval:
- Completed Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income for all household members (including you, your spouse, or the child’s other parent living in your household). Typically, this includes the most recent four (4) weeks of consecutive pay stubs.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued identification).
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other sources of income, if applicable.
- Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
Once your CCS application is approved, you may need to utilize specific Scholarship Forms for ongoing services and to report any changes in your circumstances.
Contact CCS Central 2 for Support
CCS Central 2 is the central processing hub for Child Care Scholarship applications and provider payments. For any questions or assistance, here’s how to get in touch:
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support – Open Office Hours
For direct support and answers to your questions, take advantage of the Child Care Scholarship Customer Support Open Office Hours. Below is the schedule for upcoming sessions:
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 |
Attendance Audit: Understand How to Avoid Repayment Issues
This guide provides essential information for families looking to access the Child Care Scholarship Program. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take the first step towards obtaining financial assistance for quality child care.
