Child Care Assistance for Kinship Caregivers in New York (CCAP)

What CCAP Covers

The Child Care Assistance Program pays for daycare, preschool, after-school, and summer care for children of qualifying families. It is supervised by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and administered locally by your county DSS or, in NYC, by HRA and ACS.

CCAP does not pay the provider directly in full — it issues a subsidy and the family pays a copayment. But for kinship caregivers, the weekly copay is capped at a maximum of $15 statewide for qualifying households.

Income Eligibility

Unlike the child-only cash grant, CCAP does evaluate the caregiver's household income. The cap is 85% of State Median Income:

These income ceilings apply from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.

These thresholds are generous. A grandparent earning $65,000 with one grandchild (two-person household) falls well within the limit.

The Kinship Caregiver Advantage

Caregivers receiving child-only cash assistance or participating in a child protective/preventive services plan may qualify for CCAP without meeting independent work-hour requirements. Normally CCAP requires the caregiver to be working or in approved training, but kinship situations with an active case can bypass this requirement.

If you are already receiving a child-only grant, ask your caseworker whether you qualify for the CCAP activity exemption.

Activity Requirements

For caregivers who do not have an active child welfare case, CCAP requires a qualifying activity, such as employment or participation in an approved education or training program.

How to Apply

OCFS CCAA Portal: The statewide online application for childcare assistance.

Through your county DSS: Walk in or apply with Form LDSS-2921, which includes childcare assistance screening.

NYC: Through HRA or ACS depending on your case type.

You will need to provide proof of income, proof of the child's age and identity, and documentation of your qualifying activity (pay stubs, enrollment verification).

Waitlists

When local CCAP funding is fully committed, districts establish waiting lists. Priority goes to:

1. Families experiencing homelessness
2. Families earning under 300% of the State Income Standard
3. Children with special needs

If you are placed on a waitlist, ask about your position and estimated wait time. Some counties have shorter waits than others.

Choosing a Provider

CCAP subsidies can be used with licensed and registered childcare providers, including family daycare homes. The payment goes directly to the provider, and you pay the copayment.

Your county maintains a list of eligible providers, or you can search through the Early Care and Learning Council directory.

The complete New York kinship benefits guide covers CCAP alongside every other program — cash, food, health, tax credits — so you can see how all the pieces fit together and apply in the right order.

See more New York guides →