Alaska Child Care Assistance for Grandparents and Relative Caregivers

Childcare costs in Alaska can run well over $1,000 a month, and for a grandparent or relative who didn't plan for this expense, that's a budget-breaker. Alaska's Child Care Assistance Program covers a large portion of the cost for qualifying families, with copayments capped at a percentage of your income.

The PASS System

Alaska organizes childcare assistance into categories called PASS (Parents Achieving Self-Sufficiency), each serving a different situation:

PASS I is for families actively receiving ATAP benefits while participating in required employment or Work First activities. A child-only case with an Adult Not Included caretaker is generally ineligible for PASS I, except in special circumstances; these families may apply for PASS III instead. PASS I families pay no copayment.

PASS II provides transitional child care for up to 12 months after an ATAP case closes with earned income. If your case closes with earned income and you still need care, PASS II may bridge the gap.

PASS III is the track most relevant to kinship caregivers who aren't on ATAP. It serves families not eligible for PASS I or PASS II, including a relative caregiver acting in loco parentis, when the parent or caregiver is working or attending school or training. Income eligibility extends up to 85% of the state median income. This is the broadest category and the one most grandparent caregivers will use if they're employed or in a training program.

PASS IV covers children under OCS protective services, regardless of the caregiver's income.

Copayment Caps

Alaska's current Family Income and Contribution Schedule sets a family copayment from 1% to 9% of monthly gross income, depending on family size and income as a percentage of State Median Income. For a two-person family earning $3,000 per month, the schedule places the family in the 7% tier, or about $210 per month. A family may also owe provider charges above the amount CCAP pays.

How to Apply

CCAP is administered by DPA's Child Care Program Office through regional designees like Alaska Family Services and thread. The application process varies by region, so contact your local designee or call DPA at 800-478-7778 to find out where to apply.

You'll need proof of employment or enrollment in an approved education or training program, along with income verification and documentation of the child's placement in your care.

A Note for Informal Caregivers

Legal guardianship isn't required if you are acting in loco parentis — assuming parental responsibility and providing care and supervision as a parent for at least 30 days. Relative caregivers in that role can apply through PASS III if they meet the activity, income, and other eligibility requirements and can document that the child lives with them.

Our Alaska Kinship Financial Help guide maps out which PASS category fits your situation and walks through the application with a document checklist.

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