NC Childcare Subsidy for Grandparents Raising a Grandchild: Vouchers, Waitlists, and How to Apply

How Childcare Subsidies Work in NC

If you're a grandparent or relative raising a young child and you need childcare so you can work, attend medical appointments, or simply have time to handle the child's benefit applications and court visits, North Carolina's subsidized childcare program can help cover the cost.

The program is administered locally by county DSS offices or local purchasing agencies under the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Eligible families receive childcare vouchers that pay most or all of the tuition at a licensed childcare center, family childcare home, or approved informal provider. You choose the provider — the state pays them directly.

Who Qualifies

Eligibility is based on gross household income and family size — and unlike the Work First child-only grant, the childcare subsidy counts your income. The income ceiling is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for children ages 0–5 or with special needs, and 133% for children ages 6–12.

For non-CPS kinship placements, working caregivers must meet the activity requirement of 30 or more hours per week unless exempt because of age or disability.

Children receiving Child Protective Services or Child Welfare Permanency Planning services, or children in DSS custody, receive priority enrollment and copayment waivers.

The Waitlist Reality

Waitlists apply to subsidized childcare. Ask your county DSS about current openings and expected wait times.

Children receiving Child Protective Services or Child Welfare Permanency Planning services, or children in DSS custody, receive priority enrollment and copayment waivers.

The key is to get on the list as early as possible. Don't wait until you have a confirmed childcare arrangement — apply first, and choose a provider once your voucher is approved.

How to Apply

Contact your county DSS and ask about the childcare subsidy program. Some counties handle applications through the same office that processes Work First and SNAP; others have a separate childcare assistance unit.

You'll need to provide proof of income, proof of your work or training schedule, the child's age and care needs, and information about the childcare provider you want to use (or indicate that you're still choosing one).

If you're already receiving Work First benefits, ask your caseworker about automatic referral to the childcare subsidy program — some counties coordinate these applications.

What the Subsidy Covers

The voucher amount depends on the child's age, the type of care (center-based, family home, or informal), the county rate, and your household income. Higher-quality providers (those with NC star ratings) may be reimbursed at higher rates. Your copayment — the portion you pay out of pocket — is calculated based on household income and size.

Your copayment is calculated based on household income and size; the priority groups above receive a copayment waiver.

While You Wait

If you're on the waitlist and need childcare now, ask your county DSS about local interim support. Head Start programs (for children ages 3–5) and NC Pre-K (free public preschool for qualifying 4-year-olds) are alternatives that don't require a subsidy voucher — contact your local school district or Head Start agency to apply.

Our North Carolina Kinship Financial Help Guide includes childcare subsidy details alongside the other programs a kinship caregiver needs — so you can coordinate childcare applications with the cash, food, and health benefits you're applying for at the same time.

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