Applying for help with childcare costs in Maryland has become more streamlined and accessible than ever. The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, previously known as the Child Care Subsidy, is designed to support eligible families in Maryland by providing financial assistance for high-quality child care and early education. This vital program is managed through Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2), ensuring efficient and centralized administration.
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For families needing immediate support, the Fast Track Child Care Scholarship application offers a significantly quicker route to assistance. Eligible families can receive a decision within just three business days and access 60 days of childcare support while their full Child Care Scholarship application is being processed.
Who is Eligible for the Child Care Scholarship Program?
To qualify for the CCS Program, families must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include:
- Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of Maryland. In two-parent households, both parents residing in the same home must fulfill all eligibility criteria.
- Activity Requirement: Parents must be working, participating in an approved job training program, or attending school.
- Financial Need: Families must be recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or fall within the defined Child Care Scholarship income guidelines (detailed below).
- Immunization: Children must be immunized according to Maryland state standards or have documented exemptions.
- Citizenship/Qualified Alien Status: Proof of US citizenship or qualified alien status is required for each child needing care (e.g., Birth Certificate). 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, birth certificates or immigration documents can serve as proof of identity.
- Photo ID: A Photo ID is required only for the head of household.
Eligibility Checklist Scholarship FAQs Fast Track Frequently Asked Questions Brochure Spanish Brochure
Applying for the Child Care Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a Child Care Scholarship is conducted through the user-friendly Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Register in the Family Portal
Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal at family.childcareportals.org and create a new account. Click on “Register for a New Account” and input your details. For registration assistance, refer to the registration instructions.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Fast Track Application
Fill out the concise online Fast Track Scholarship application and upload 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: Temporary Scholarship and Full Application
If deemed eligible, a 60-day temporary Scholarship will be issued to help with childcare costs while your comprehensive application is reviewed. To determine eligibility for a 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 ensure a decision on your 52-week Scholarship before the temporary one expires.
Create your account and apply now!
Families in the Following Income Categories May Be Eligible for a Child Care Scholarship
Below are the maximum annual income limits for Child Care Scholarship eligibility. Note that there are two income scales:
- Initial Income Scale: For new applicants and those without a current scholarship.
- Continuation Income Scale: For families who have previously received scholarship services and are applying for continued support.
| 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 – Applies to families without an existing child care scholarship, those applying for a Fast-Track 60-Day Scholarship, and those submitting a Fast-Track Full “Redetermination Application” for a full evaluation beyond the initial 60-day period. Family income must be below this scale.
** Continuation Income Scale – Applies to families already receiving child care services for at least 52 weeks to 24 months with an active, unexpired scholarship when applying for continued services. Family income must be below this scale.
To apply for a full 52-week Scholarship, you must submit the following documents to CCS Central 2 within 15 days of Fast Track application approval:
- The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) application
- Verification of income (most recent four weeks of pay stubs).
- Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government-issued ID).
- Proof of approved activity (work, school, or job training).
- Proof of all other income sources.
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease).
Once your CCS application is approved, you may need to access additional Scholarship Forms for ongoing services and to report any changes.
CCS Central 2: Your Child Care Scholarship Support Center
CCS Central 2 manages Child Care Scholarship applications and provider payments. Contact them with any questions!
Child Care Scholarship Customer Support – Open Office Hours
For direct assistance and answers to your questions, consider attending the Child Care Scholarship Customer Support Open Office Hours. Below is the schedule:
| 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 |
Open Office Hours Calendar
The Child Care Scholarship program is a valuable resource for Maryland families. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of this opportunity to access quality childcare and early education for your children.
